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Threat of school strike over pay Threat of school strike over pay
(about 13 hours later)
Teachers' unions are throwing their weight behind the opposition to curbs on public sector pay.Teachers' unions are throwing their weight behind the opposition to curbs on public sector pay.
They are unhappy their current two-year deal of 2.5% rises this year and next has fallen behind inflation - now 2.8%.They are unhappy their current two-year deal of 2.5% rises this year and next has fallen behind inflation - now 2.8%.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT), at its Easter conference, is to debate a priority motion calling for a ballot on a one-day strike with other unions.The National Union of Teachers (NUT), at its Easter conference, is to debate a priority motion calling for a ballot on a one-day strike with other unions.
The government has asked the teachers' pay body to recommend a three-year deal to 2011, with a 2% inflation target.The government has asked the teachers' pay body to recommend a three-year deal to 2011, with a 2% inflation target.
The NUT motion, proposed by its leaders, condemns government pay policy as "discriminatory, unfair and demotivating".The NUT motion, proposed by its leaders, condemns government pay policy as "discriminatory, unfair and demotivating".
Headline inflation is running significantly above the 2.5% teachers can expect this autumn NUT general secretary Steve SinnottHeadline inflation is running significantly above the 2.5% teachers can expect this autumn NUT general secretary Steve Sinnott
It rejects regional pay and the 2% target and says the TUC should seek united opposition.It rejects regional pay and the 2% target and says the TUC should seek united opposition.
The campaign against the policy should be supported if necessary by joint industrial action, with a one-day strike "as a first step to protect pay", it says.The campaign against the policy should be supported if necessary by joint industrial action, with a one-day strike "as a first step to protect pay", it says.
General secretary Steve Sinnott said 2% would mean a pay cut.General secretary Steve Sinnott said 2% would mean a pay cut.
"Headline inflation is running significantly above the 2.5% teachers can expect this autumn and 2% for each of the next three years will compound the problems.""Headline inflation is running significantly above the 2.5% teachers can expect this autumn and 2% for each of the next three years will compound the problems."
The resolution will be debated on Saturday at the union's conference in Harrogate.The resolution will be debated on Saturday at the union's conference in Harrogate.
'Standstill award''Standstill award'
Pay is one of the few education issues not devolved to the Welsh Assembly, so teachers in both England and Wales would be affected.Pay is one of the few education issues not devolved to the Welsh Assembly, so teachers in both England and Wales would be affected.
The NUT is not involved in ongoing talks with the government on a range of issues as part of the so-called "social partnership".The NUT is not involved in ongoing talks with the government on a range of issues as part of the so-called "social partnership".
But ministers cannot expect an easier ride from the majority of unions which are.But ministers cannot expect an easier ride from the majority of unions which are.
Chris Keates, leader of the biggest union, NASUWT, told the Times Educational Supplement they would fight for a higher pay rise.Chris Keates, leader of the biggest union, NASUWT, told the Times Educational Supplement they would fight for a higher pay rise.
"What the government doesn't want to do, I assume, is throw away four years of progress," she said."What the government doesn't want to do, I assume, is throw away four years of progress," she said.
The proposal of a three-year deal is to bring teachers' pay into line with changes to school budgets which take effect next year.The proposal of a three-year deal is to bring teachers' pay into line with changes to school budgets which take effect next year.
When the current teachers' pay deal was announced, in December 2005, it was supposed to be above inflation.When the current teachers' pay deal was announced, in December 2005, it was supposed to be above inflation.
The then Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly, accepted concerns about the need to ensure a continuing supply of teachers.The then Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly, accepted concerns about the need to ensure a continuing supply of teachers.
The NUT described it at the time as "a standstill award".The NUT described it at the time as "a standstill award".
A DfES spokesperson said: "Strikes only achieve one thing - disruption to pupils' learning.
"Teaching remains one of the most respected and rewarding professions, with an 18% real terms increase in the average teachers pay since 1997."