The NASUWT teaching union has issued a stark warning of nationwide strikes over pay and conditions, escalating tensions just days before junior doctors are scheduled to hold their own walkouts. In a dramatic move, the union declared it will mobilise its 300,000 members for mass industrial action if ministers fail to commit to a significant pay increase and enhanced funding for schools.
Union Demands and Government Response
At its annual conference in Birmingham, the NASUWT passed a motion authorising a ballot for national strike action should the Government not address its key demands. These include a fully funded, real-terms pay rise above inflation, a reduction in working hours, and increased investment in special educational needs (SEND). Any strikes could occur later this year, potentially leading to widespread school closures and forcing parents to arrange last-minute childcare.
The Government has proposed a 6.5 per cent pay rise over three years, but the NASUWT has dismissed this as pitiful, arguing that much of the funding would need to be sourced from existing school budgets, further straining resources.
Criticism of Labour's Proposals
NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack also criticised Labour's education plans, particularly proposals to give mainstream schools more responsibility for pupils with special educational needs. He warned that this would increase workload without corresponding pay adjustments, describing it as a recipe for disaster. Wrack further attacked Labour's aim to have every school join a multi-academy trust, accusing bosses of these organisations of drawing large salaries and building little empires, with some living in a wonderful world akin to Ken and Barbie.
Coordination with Other Unions
The threat of strikes comes as the National Education Union (NEU) is conducting an indicative ballot to gauge support for formal strike action. This raises the possibility of coordinated walkouts between the two unions, which could maximise disruption across the education sector.
Government Reforms and Funding
In response to the crisis, the Government has outlined special educational needs reforms, including an additional £1.6 billion for mainstream schools, £1.8 billion for specialist support in every area, and £200 million for training over the next three years. A Department for Education spokesman emphasised efforts to boost teacher pay, address poor pupil behaviour, and reduce workload to retain and support educators.
Meanwhile, junior doctors are set to strike for six days from 7 April, marking their 15th walkout since 2023, highlighting broader industrial unrest in public services.
