Thursday, 2 February 2012
NUT Division Secretary's Briefing
Off to a national Div Secs briefing at Hamilton House today where we will be discussing the next steps in the pensions campaign as well as what the Union will be doing to tackle workload.
It's been really interesting listening to members' views across Oxfordshire (and in Wokingham) over the past few weeks. A few things came across overwhelmingly.
Members support the decision not to sign up to the rotten deal outlined in the Heads of Agreement (of our 2950 members, only 1 has so far suggested that this would be a good idea).
The vast majority would be willing to take further strike action, but only if there is a clear plan for a campaign, alongside other unions, to actually win. Simply 'naming a day' for further strike action is not enough.
Suggestions for how the campaign can be built include co-ordinating more creative strike actions with other unions, possibly in a series of regional or sectional strikes leading to a joint day of action, and also using a variety of non-strike tactics.
Many members felt that this latter part was essential and suggested ideas such as lobbying, petitions, mass letter-writing, local and national demonstrations, and more. They felt that this would both galvanise our members and allow members of those unions which are not currently looking at action (such as Unison) to stay involved with the campaign.
Looking forward to feeding these ideas in to today's meeting and to hearing back from other areas of the country and from the executive. Hopefully, I will have more to report to local members on my return.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Friday, 20 January 2012
UCU to Continue Pensions Campaign
News just in: The Executive of the University and Colleges Union, representing teachers and lecturers in HE and FE, have rejected the government Heads of Agreement by a majority of 3:1. This means that UCU, many of whose members are in the Teachers' Pension Scheme, will be continuing the pensions campaign alongside the NUT, NASUWT, PCS, Unite and others.
UCU is looking to meet with other unions who have rejected the deal to discuss strategy and tactics over the next few weeks. NUT and PCS have also announced that they are seeking such a meeting. This presents the real prospect of a united campaign continuing from and building on the November 30th national Day of Action.
A broad range of tactics may even see the involvement of unions which are still in negotiations but have not yet signed a deal with government. Alongside this broad approach, another day of strike action is likely to be on the cards before the imposition of increased contributions on 1st April. UCU are suggesting that 1st March may be a possibility.
So, the pensions campaign is alive and well with a real prospect of delivering for members. Now we need to involve everyone we can on what is undoubtedly the fight of our lives.
School Meetings
We are trying to get out to as many schools as possible to discuss the next steps in the pensions campaign, forced academies and all the other issues affecting our members in Oxfordshire. Also a great opportunity for school groups to elect or re-elect a school rep.
If you would like a member of the local committee to visit your school or would like any support with organising a meeting for members, get in touch now on NUTOxfordshire@gmail.com or 07967392229.