FROM 26 FEBRUARY some members of the National Union of Teachers will begin three-day selective strike action on their pay claim. Ballot returns so far indicate support for action ranging from 70 to 90 per cent. This picture reflects the deep-seated The teachers are claiming a pay rise in line with the 35 cent decline in the value of their 1974. As a first pay since step, the NUT is seeking a minimum increase of £1200 for all teachers.
On the employers made clear that tney nau no more lo orel contemptuously proposca posee the NUT is totally opposed to.
From 6 February the NUT began a campaign based on refusing to cover for absent teachers withdrawing all meetings outside normal school hours. considers that these acous de nos-cortacla there therefore no ballot of the membership before they began.
Some local authorities consider however that the ac. tion is in breach of contract onte of them.
Solihull, has threatened to take out an injunction to stop ine acton ana torce the NUT ballot its menoers this serious threats to the union campaign.
NUT executive (personal capacity)
Despite the Daily Express describing the NUT 'left wing' this is far trom the truth. In the event of a legal challenge the right wing leadership will De inchnea lo buckie.
It would pose a double threat: it would disrupt the first plase Calm paign, but it would also establish that La W teachers are bound by conTacu to cover ums nao pened local authorities the country would go onto the offenteachers pay.
have been to force package hich would link teachers negotiate pav and conaitons, sucn LUVCI LUlI pulsory. resolutely refused to agree to any such proposal, but will come under increasingly pressure from employers and the other unions which are prepared Lo uo a ucal There is only one route for teachers take. The Teachers Alliance has been arguing for an immediate escalation of the action, non-compliance with any court urgent steps to link up with other public sector unions in a fight against the government's cash limits.
On 9 March the East London Lambeth Teachers' Associations are reconvening their salary conterence William Collins London, with the object of organising the left on the pay fight. posilive responst to this initiative from other well JeNI currents for this conTerence. Socialisi supporters in the NUT should make every effort to attend
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anger amongst teachers at the employers derisory four per cent offer.