Teachers consider their next move
Written: 25th April, 2008
The National Union of Teachers is taking stock after staging its biggest strike for 21 years.
One third of schools in England and Wales were hit by the walkout - staged over pay - with 12% completely shut.
A survey by the National Association of Parent Teacher Associations suggests most parents think teachers should accept the offer on the table.
An independent pay review body suggested an increase of 2.45%, plus a further rise of 2.3% in 2009 and 2010.
The NUT could choose to ballot for a rolling series of strikes this summer. It received a mandate at its national conference at Easter.
Other teachers' unions have agreed to the offer and do not support the strike. Head teachers have spoken out against it.
The survey by the National Association of Parent Teacher Associations and the Times Educational Supplement suggests 60% of parents think the NUT should accept the pay offer.
Only a third of those questioned said they supported teachers in their bid for a 4.1% pay increase. A similar number (37%) were taking time off work to look after children unable to attend school on the day of the strike.
But there was strong support for the work teachers do, with 86% saying the quality of teaching at their child's school was excellent or good.
A total of 750 parents took part in the survey.
David Butler, chief executive, of the NCPTA said: "We know that parents value the professionalism of teachers and the commitment they give.
“Equally important is the evidence that the strike action has not damaged the view the majority of parents have of teachers.
"However, there it is also clear that many parents have had to make complex plans to overcome difficulties caused by the strike including alternative childcare arrangements."
Senior NUT officials will take feedback from members before meeting in early May to decide whether to hold any further strikes.
Frustrated
According to the government, 85% of schools remained open or open with some classes affected.
Officials said four in five schools were able to remain open "for some or all of their pupils".
Data collected by the BBC from local authorities suggests about a third of the schools in England and Wales were disrupted, with one in 10 closed completely. The government agreed 12% of schools closed.
Schools Secretary Ed Balls said: "I’d like to thank local authorities, teachers and heads throughout the country who have worked hard to keep schools open.
"I think parents across the country will be frustrated and angry about the strike and many teachers will have the same view - and I share their frustration. I will continue to stand up for parents and pupils - and do the very best for all those who are working so hard delivering first class education for our children."
Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the NUT, said: "Thousands of members turned out to support this day of action. It shows the NUT made the right decision to call upon its members to strike.
"Erosion of teachers' pay is now firmly on the public agenda as a result. We have highlighted the case for pay which at least keeps up with the rate of inflation as measured by RPI."
Source BBC news