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Harlow teacher’s blog: “Today’s strike was a last resort”

Politics / Wed 1st Feb 2023 at 05:54pm

ONE of the teacher’s who was striking today was Harlow resident, Jake Shepherd.

Here are his reflections on the day.

“Today was a difficult day, which I wish hadn’t come to pass. Today’s strike was a last resort, which became necessary after this government walked away from the negotiation table.

“I would have preferred to have taught my students today, but it was right to #SaveOurSchool… Despite teaching for less than five years, I’ve learnt a lot about the education landscape in England!

Don’t buy the spin that today’s #schoolstrikes are just about teacher pay (which is valid in of itself) – at the root of this dispute sits a battle for every child to receive quality education in a safe school! Shaping the lives of our wonderful students has only ever reaffirmed why I chose to get into teaching!


Yet, it’s become clear how much of that support and shaping relies on goodwill and unpaid labour. The school funding crisis is hollowing out education! It’s time to #PayUp!

I know how grateful we are as teachers for the support of the public in the NEU dispute to fight for better pay and conditions for teachers, and ultimately safeguard the future of our schools which continue to serve children and young people!

Please #SupportTheStrikes! I sincerely hope that before the next strike date, the government will return to the negotiation table and resolve this dispute so that our profession can continue to serve our communities and children with the dignity and respect that teachers (and support staff) deserve!

In the meantime, please support striking teachers and understand that this was always an action of last resort. However, the critical need for action couldn’t be greater if we’re to Save Our Schools!

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10 Comments for Harlow teacher’s blog: “Today’s strike was a last resort”:

David Forman
2023-02-01 18:52:45

I wish the teachers all success in their pay dispute. The Conservative and Coalition governments have imposed pay freezes and below inflation pay rises since 2010. Time to do justice for those who served us in the pandemic.

Peter
2023-02-01 19:15:11

Very little to do with pay and everything to do with trying to get rid of the democratically elected government.

Alex
2023-02-02 14:08:24

"Democratically elected government?". By who? The electorate weren't given the Opportunity to vote for a prime minister Truss or Sunak! Boris Johnson was elected on a anti austerity manfesto , something that Sunak and his chancellor aren't fulfilling. So not the man nor his message. Very 'undemocratic' I'd say.

Alex
2023-02-02 14:09:03

"Democratically elected government?". By who? The electorate weren't given the Opportunity to vote for a prime minister Truss or Sunak! Boris Johnson was elected on a anti austerity manfesto , something that Sunak and his chancellor aren't fulfilling. So not the man nor his message. Very 'undemocratic' I'd say.

Alex
2023-02-02 14:09:59

"Democratically elected government?". By who? The electorate weren't given the Opportunity to vote for a prime minister Truss or Sunak! Boris Johnson was elected on a anti austerity manfesto , something that Sunak and his chancellor aren't fulfilling. So not the man nor his message. Very 'undemocratic' I'd say.

Christine Dowson
2023-02-02 19:55:15

I’m 100% behind teachers, nurses, railway workers and everyone who is trying to fight back against the worst government we’ve had in my living memory. They’ve systematically stripped every asset from the U.K. in the past 13 years. We urgently need a change ! GTTO

David Morris
2023-02-02 20:47:56

Good luck to all the staff who exercised their right to strike as a means to send a message to all that enough is enough. 13 years of under-funding of the public services. Wages not in keeping with inflation means a crisis is on the cards and this government has caused it. It’s as simple as that. Tories out! Underhanded crooks and masters of spin one and all. Oh and Robert Halfon are you going to keep saying Harlow is getting a new hospital? It’s pie in the sky and you know it.

Peter
2023-02-02 21:07:22

Alex, we are not like the USA and have never elected a PM in the UK.

Aj3x
2023-02-03 16:28:22

Peter. The goverment was elected on a manifesto that is no longer being followed. Need an election

Bert puttocks
2023-02-04 02:15:30

Up the strikers 🍺. if I had a job I'd be on strike but I can't work due to unforeseen circumstances

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