New term, new strikes: teaching unions set to escalate pensions campaign

Message from Christine Blower, general secretary, to NUT members:

'Thank you for your continued support for our campaign to defend teachers' pensions. This term will see an escalation of the campaign.

We are continuing to work closely with colleagues in ATL and UCU following our extremely well-supported action on 30 June. Given the Government's position we expect that further industrial action will be required later this term. Our sister union in Scotland - the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) - is preparing to ballot their members, as is the National Association of Head Teachers.

The Government has had numerous opportunities to negotiate fairly on public sector pensions. However, Ministers have persistently refused to listen to the facts. Teachers' pensions are affordable and sustainable. We cannot and will not stand by and see them eroded for purely political reasons.

As the General Secretary of the only union to campaign consistently for one union for all teachers, I am delighted that the teaching profession is coming together against the unnecessary attacks that the Government has launched on our pensions.

Our campaign will be even stronger now. We will be in touch next week about the next steps in the campaign.'

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