Teachers Set to Rock Classrooms with Nationwide Strikes
Teachers from the NEU union have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in England and Wales. Brace yourselves: school disruptions are looming on several dates this February and March.
Strike Dates to Paralyse Schools
The NEU has announced national and regional walkouts on these key days:
- 1 February: All eligible members in England and Wales.
- 14 February: All eligible members in Wales.
- 28 February: Northern, North West, Yorkshire & The Humber regions.
- 1 March: East Midlands, West Midlands, Eastern regions.
- 2 March: London, South East, South West regions.
- 15 & 16 March: All eligible members in England and Wales.
NEU Demands Big Pay Rise — Or Strike!
The National Education Union slammed the government, saying: “In our ballot, NEU members have voted in overwhelming numbers to take historic strike action for a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise. We have to save our schools.”
In England alone, a staggering 90.44% voted YES out of a 53.27% turnout. The union admits this wasn’t an easy choice.
“This was a really hard decision for our members to take. They do not want to be on strike. They want to be in the classroom, doing what they do best – teaching and supporting our children and young people. But it’s a last resort. It sends a resounding message to the Government: we won’t stand by and watch the destruction of education without taking a stand.”
Government Ready to Talk, But Time is Ticking
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan plans to meet union leaders later this week, hoping to defuse tensions.
The NEU made it clear: “This dispute can be resolved without recourse to strike action. We are willing to enter into negotiations at any time, any place, but this situation cannot go on.”
Schools should prepare for up to seven strike days, though any single school will face around four days off. The first strike on 1 February will impact 23,400 schools in England and Wales, including sixth form colleges tied up in related disputes.
The classroom revolution is coming. Students and parents, brace yourselves.
