Michael Gove has won …. so …

Dear colleague

We have a great opportunity to build on the impact of the regional action on 27 June and 1 October by making the action in your area on 17 October a great success. The Welsh Government has shown Michael Gove how it can be done – progress in constructive discussions between the NUT, the NASUWT and the Minister in Wales has meant that we have called off the rolling action in Wales.

Gove intransigent The response of the Welsh Government is in stark contrast to that in England. Michael Gove’s intransigence means that the NUT and NASUWT have no choice but to continue the rolling programme of action with the day’s strike on 17 October.

As well as supporting the action on 17 October I hope you and your colleagues will also attend one of the strike day rallies. Events are being held in Bristol, London and Durham – for further information go to www.teachers.org.uk. There may also be a locally organised rally closer to you.

Some employers or head teachers are demanding that individual teachers say if they are taking action. Remember that you are not required to give your name to your head teacher if you intend to strike – the Union provides the relevant membership information to all employers. For those concerned about the influence of taking strike action on your pension, the effect is negligible, probably between £1 and £2 a year at most. You can find answers to these and other questions here.

Take a stand If we don’t take a stand now, the path will be clear for Michael Gove to add attacks on the 195 days and 1265 hours to the threats on pay and pensions. Don’t forget that strike action has delivered concessions from Michael Gove before. After we took action in 2011, the Government improved its offer on pensions.

Yours sincerely

CHRISTINE BLOWER NUT General Secretary