This allows staff to plan their own activities and commitments. The headteacher does not need to invent tasks for them to do. These discussions built on previous meetings and correspondence, including where unions called for an extra 2 billion uplift for schools next year and the year after, which the Government delivered in the Autumn Statement. These events will be coordinated by union representatives. Doing so would undermine important principled commitments made by every TUC-affiliated union. The suggestion is pay will be deducted without a certificate. (You will need to log in to see your personalised information. My school will be closed on a strike day. Or register to get 2 articles free per month. There have been no strikes announced in private schools. NB. The DfE has published guidance for schools. Crossing a picket line does not undermine other unions taking part in industrial action and all unions will advise their members to report for work when another union is taking industrial action. is also considering re-balloting members, too, for the same reason. This media-only line operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. Support staff are also able to carry out specified work, provided they are subject to the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher, and the headteacher is satisfied that they have the skills required to carry out the work. We have developed acentral role as one of the most respected voices in educationin Scotland. The nations of the world which have complete unionization for their teachers are also the regions where educational achievement is at its highest. There should be no expectation for NASUWT members to set or mark work or teach the pupils of those teachers from other unions who are taking industrial action. To pay for the costs of these services, unions charge fees that you might have to pay whether you're a card-carrying union member or not. We seek to ensure teachers are recognised and rewarded as highly skilled professionals. She expressed the importance of working together to avoid strike action especially given the significant disruption due to the pandemic over recent years. The notice should contain the number of teachers the union taking the strike has called upon to take strike action. If you have decided to leave the NJEA, the process should be straightforward. Membership is alsofree for members in their first year and for students and NQTs. Because due process requires the administration of a school to pursue specific remedies that seek to improve teacher performance, anyone protected by tenure or an equivalent rights process can be challenging to remove from their position. Make noise, be heard and make a change. Your employer is required to provide to all staff a risk assessment which confirms the measures that will be taken to keep your workplace safe at all times. 2. Members are advised to check the specific terms of their contract and establish whether it includes any element of general cover for absent colleagues. ASCL is Britains leading professional body, representing over 18,000 school, college and system leadersacross the UK, including primary schools, multi-academy trusts and those working across phases. Mail copies of the letter to your local union and employer. We understand the pressures many teachers, like the rest of society, are facing now due to the challenge of high inflation. Headteachers/principals will need to make a judgement about whether the school/college can remain fully open, partially open, i.e. There is also no obligation for you to tell your employer that you are a member of the NASUWT. It is therefore not appropriate for any trade union to deliberately and actively seek to poach members of other trade unions to bolster industrial action. A range of legal, benevolent, financial and legal insurance services. A sample petition is available below. If an employer refuses to accept partial performance, they are required to notify any affected employees in advance in writing that they have the right not to attend work (and not get paid). People who can work together in a safe environment can work to create meaningful changes that receive faster implementation when compared to those who work independently or apart. Teachers in non-union districts have seen their raises and promotional opportunities tied to student testing performance. 5. The gains in wages that a union provides will help to offset this cost as well. Can a teacher be asked to cover for striking colleagues? Heres what you need to know. Employer requests for information The more members a union has, the bigger voice they have. ), If you are an NASUWT member working in Scotland, you can email the Scotland National Centre for support, advice and information. Where members have concerns that a suitable risk assessment is not in place prior to the day of any strike action, they should contact the NASUWT immediately. The amount that is deducted will depend on the staff members salary, and whether they are part-time or full-time. If these unions don't represent the teachers, it is incumbent on the teachers to do what the parents are doing with their school boards. During periods of industrial action by other unions, NASUWT leadership members should continue to undertake their normal duties and responsibilities for running the school/college, including: ensuring arrangements are in place for the safe physical opening of the building; ensuring there are adequate arrangements in place to ensure the safety and security of the building, employees and pupils attending the site during and at the end of the day. Teachers can come together in one voice to demand changes which would benefit their students without fear of exclusion or termination. There are several reasons that an individual may not choose to join a union. Although the cost of this benefit can be up to 5% of a teachers overall salary, the charges are often tax deductible. Wednesday, February 1 (England and Wales). There has been a shift in local laws in recent years that changes this disadvantage, allowing teachers to direct their political contributions to a candidate of choice. But residents don't bragpublicly, at leastabout their lack of a teachers' union. Pay was only mentioned by 1% . Wednesday 1 March 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: Thursday 2 March 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: How many staff and schools will be impacted? A detailed notice about the industrial action is provided to the employer at least 7 days in advance of the intended action. NASUWT headteacher/principal members should have received notice either directly to the school or via the employing authority giving notice of the strike action. When there are mutual good-faith negotiations that can occur with the intention of reaching an agreement, then the classroom can stay open. A wide range of money-saving benefits and services. Members should not be asked to cover the work of colleagues in other trade unions when they are taking part in industrial action. ), 2023 NASUWT all rights reserved The purpose of the fee is to reimburse the union for continuing to represent you in collective bargaining. Yes - if the school is closed you can be directed to work from home. Where a school/college remains partially open and certain classes/year groups are sent home, NASUWT members should not agree to timetable variations to accommodate classes or pupils who would normally have been taken by those taking action. Members requiring professional support out of hours should contact their Local Association Secretary or National Executive Member. The testing alternative offers a simple answer to some of these logistical questions: If teachers can't or won't get vaccinated for whatever reason, they have to test. Deciding what union you join is typically dictated by the district in which you work. Most teachers who join a local union must pay monthly fees to receive this representation. If an NASUWT assistant head works in a school where the headteacher/principal and deputy/vice-principal are members of the union taking strike action, they will need to ask the headteacher/principal in advance of the date of the strike what arrangements are being made for the day of the strike. Its not for a HOD to make staffing decisions about how such an absence should be covered. This also stands for early action applications. Weve summarised the big seven to help make your decision easier, This website and its content is subject to our Terms and Fill out your information on the form to the right and select your state. ), 2023 NASUWT all rights reserved Teachers unions provide several discount program opportunities, including life insurance benefits, credit card opportunities, mortgage assistance, etc. Definition and Examples, What Is Transnationalism? If a school/college cannot confirm that it is able to maintain safe staffing levels on the day of a strike, then the school/college should be closed. A teachers union may not be the most popular supportive structure in the educational world today, but it is a resource which can lead to better learning opportunities. Although a headteacher is allowed to ask their non-striking staff to cover for their absent colleagues, the new. In addition, as a member you will have access toprofessional advice and guidance, a wide range of opportunities for professional development and training, and many other benefits.. This structure, if included as part of the collective bargaining agreement, guarantees a process of rights that ensures a complete review of employment status if the quality of a teachers work comes into question. Wednesday 15 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales. For years, public employees in California have been forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment, allowing . Communities do not have the right to send their own representative to work with teachers, administrative staff, and governing officials to advocate for themselves. This fee may not lawfully include things like political expenses. NASUWT headteacher/principal members should write to parents making clear the arrangements for the day of the strike. Members should contact the Union for support where there are concerns. Should I cover classes or other responsibilities for colleagues taking industrial action if I am offered additional pay or time off elsewhere? Last week teachers unions expressed support for mandatory COVID vaccinations for all public school employees who come in contact with students or other staff members. In the event of strike action at a school, the school leaders or local authority that manages the school will take all reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many pupils as possible. However, free schools, academies established after 29 July 2012 and any academy established prior to this date that has agreed a change to their funding agreement, are exempt from this and so can use support staff for lesson cover if required. The risk assessment would need to confirm that members who are working with their normal classes will be able to access all the necessary services to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves and the pupils. 6. Any request by your employer to perform the duties of a colleague who is participating in official strike action is not acceptable and would not constitute a reasonable management instruction. What You Need to Know About Teachers' Rights & Options Can schools negotiate with unions on who is included in strikes? ), retired teachers, college students in education programs, and substitute teachers. It is vitally important that as members of the NASUWT, we demonstrate solidarity with other colleagues who are taking part in official industrial action. I have refused to undertake the work of a striking colleague and have now been provided with a written instruction to do so. Headteachers may ask other teachers to cover the classes of those taking industrial action. They would not be teaching students of other colleagues, but perhaps supervising them in the library etc. A long-term supply teacher has a contract with an agency but has been in the same school for three weeks and he should be teaching there until March. People working together can create change faster and better than people working apart from one another. The supply teacher could refuse to cover other classes, but, depending on their contract of employment, the member could be directed to undertake other work in order to be paid for that day. Can NASUWT members be directed to a supervisory role? Outside of these hours the number will divert to the duty media officer. Free for student teachers. I am an NASUWT activist and have been invited to attend and speak at another union's strike rally. Employees who want to vote a union out must circulate a petition calling for a decertification election. What should I do if I need to stay at home because my childs school is closed due to strike action by another union? Please use our Contact Us page instead. Under health and safety legislation, your employer has a legal duty to ensure that your school/college is safe to open. What can I do? We're talking about 2 to 4 percent who are demonstrably ineffective." He added,. Curriculum changes have been demanded at times, requiring compliance with religious dogma, extreme secularism, and problematic assignments. He said they will work to increase funding for teacher salaries by a billion dollars this year, bringing the total up to $3 billion since 2020. An NASUWT supply teacher on a long-term assignment would need to report for work to the school where they are undertaking the assignment as they would on any other day. The NFER study asked teachers why they had joined a union and by far the most popular response was "support if there was a problem at work", cited by 72% of teachers. Legally you are entitled to join strike action if you do not belong to another union. Despite the strikes being planned, the governments new guidancemakes it clear that schools are expected to stay open if possible. The TUC Code states: Can they do this? registered in England (Company No 02017289) with its registered office at Building 3, If however, you are dismissed at any stage within the first 12 weeks of the action, you will be eligible to lodge a claim . Heres all the key information you need: There are seven strike days proposed by the NEU, four of which will involve action being taken by all members: There are also some regional-specific strikes dates, as follows: The NEU says 23,400 schools will be impacted across England and Wales. Because the United States operates through representation instead of as a direct democracy, the negotiation process for a collective bargaining agreement requires local politicians to protect the best interests of the taxpayer. What Is Bureaucracy, and Is It Good or Bad? In the event that health and safety is compromised, including requirements for regular cleaning and for maintaining Covid safety, the NASUWT will expect that facilities should be closed to pupils and staff. "Pros and Cons of Joining a Teachers Union." Members of the public should call our general enquiries line on 0370 000 2288. 3. It's your freedom not to join, but if your union is busting its butt to get things done for the teachers, it's great to show your support with membership. Can schools use agency staff to cover striking teachers? I am a teacher employed as a cover supervisor. There is a wide range of existing resources available to support provision on this basis, including those available through the Government-funded Oak National Academy. Amongst other things, that means not undermining sister unions by poaching members. Where teachers are employed under the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, however, they cannot be compelled to provide cover for other teachers during industrial action, it says. For more information visitthe NASUWT website. If you are on facility time on a strike day, you should carry out your normal duties supporting NASUWT members. [ANSWER: FALSE] The Janus ruling had no effect on collective bargaining. When we take this perspective, it becomes clear that in most communities, the presence of a union for teachers is helpful. If you are anNASUWT member working in Northern Ireland, you can email the Northern Ireland National Centre for support, advice and information. Headteachers may ask other teachers to cover the classes of those taking industrial action. Members must not cover the work or undermine the industrial action of colleagues who are taking part in official industrial action. Pregnant women who have notified their employer of maternity leave dates. Teachers pensions are among the best and safest available and they come with a 23.6% employer pension contribution. Teachers unions allow you a voice in hot educational trends, debates, and topics that you feel strongly about. In the case of the strike announced by the NEU for 1 February 2023, that date is 31 January 31. This Supreme Court decision impacts the union membership for both the NEA and the AFT by eliminating funds they can collect from teachers who are not members of a union. Any advice that is specific to a particular government administration or jurisdiction is contained within individual FAQs where applicable. Members employed in schools/colleges cannot be required by law to cover the work of striking workers. It depends on the employer, as well as state and local laws. do not undertake or cover the work of members of other unions who are taking industrial action. If a member of staff who wishes to strike is on maternity, paternity or shared parental leave and wishes to still take part in the strike action, then they should notify their headteacher. They should not seek help from their employer, because the union can then complain that an unfair labor practice has tainted the election. decade | 546 views, 6 likes, 0 loves, 13 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Sky News Australia: Labor MP Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah says there. As you will appreciate, I am under no obligation to disclose membership of a trade union or my intentions on a day of industrial action other than to report to work if appropriate. NASUWT Representatives with enquiries should contact their Regional Centre. What should a supply teacher on long-term supply do on strike day? If the school is closed on a day when you would normally work, you should report to work as usual unless directed to work from home by the school. 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