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NEU Takes a Stand Against Government Pay Offer for Teachers
The National Education Union (NEU) has issued a strong warning, indicating its intent to campaign against Labour MPs unless the government enhances its pay offer for teachers in England for the upcoming year.
At the union’s annual conference, general secretary Daniel Kebede expressed his disappointment towards Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, accusing them of betraying their supporters. He urged delegates to prepare for potential industrial action should their demands for adequate pay and funding not be met.
“The government claims it would be indefensible for the NEU to initiate industrial action. However, I contend it is equally indefensible for a Labour government to reduce school funding,” Kebede stated during his address.
The Department for Education (DfE) has put forth a recommendation for a 2.8% pay increase to the independent School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) for the 2025-26 pay award. While the STRB’s findings have yet to be released, Kebede emphasized that any proposal must exceed inflation rates and include provisions addressing the needs of school budgets.
“If the STRB’s recommendation does not surpass inflation, fails to take corrective steps towards fair pay, neglects the ongoing issues with teacher recruitment and retention, and is not fully funded, we are prepared to act industrially,” Kebede warned.
He further stated, “We will ensure that Labour MPs face significant political repercussions through our campaigning in their constituencies, alongside our parent groups nationwide.”
During the conference, held in Harrogate, NEU members deemed the government’s proposed 2.8% increase “inadequate.” They resolved to initiate a formal ballot for strike action unless the offer was improved and school funding was adjusted to accommodate the increased salary expenses.
The DfE reacted, labeling the NEU’s decision as “premature” prior to the release of the STRB’s final report. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson responded, asserting, “Any inclination towards industrial action by teaching unions would be indefensible.”
In a separate motion, NEU conference attendees voted to describe Reform UK as “far-right and racist,” igniting a heated exchange between Kebede and Reform leader Nigel Farage. Kebede referred to Farage as “a pound shop Trump,” while Farage retaliated by declaring “war” on the NEU, labeling Kebede a “self-declared Marxist.”
Addressing the audience, Kebede remarked, “While this government may be welcoming Farage into No 10 through its austerity measures, we refuse to accept it. Farage may seek conflict, but I want our union to persistently resonate in his thoughts as we strive for an education system and society where every child, regardless of their background, color, or religion, can feel secure, happy, and thrive.”
Kebede also shared insights regarding a recent Netflix series, Adolescence, highlighting rising misogynistic attitudes within schools, which he attributed to social media and the pervasive access to violent and degrading content online. He declared, “We are facing a safeguarding crisis, driven by tech companies that prioritize profits over people, engagement over ethical considerations, and algorithms over accountability. We cannot leave this technology in the hands of Silicon Valley magnates who are only motivated by profit.”
Source
www.theguardian.com