Head teachers vote in favour of industrial action

Schools across the UK are likely to be closed for a day later this month after the National Association of Head Teachers voted in favour of industrial action over the government’s proposed reforms to public sector pensions which will result in teachers working longer, contributing more and receiving less when they retire. The NAHT is generally regarded as one of the more docile trade unions. It has never before voted in favour of industrial action yet the vote attracted a turnout of some 53% which is among the highest turnouts of any union protesting the pension reforms. Of this number a resounding 73% voted in favour.

The NAHT will be joined in the protest by members of the National Union of Teachers, who have also voted in favour of industrial action. The National Association of Schoolmasters/ Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) is currently balloting its members with the results expected on November the 18^th. However, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) will not be joining the strike. They have not ruled out supporting industrial action however they will not have time to organise a ballot in time for the planned walk-out on November the 30^th.