Industrial Action
Trade Unions’ industrial action concerning pensions on 30 November 2011
You will be aware that Trade Unions have balloted union members in relation to taking united strike action on 30 November 2011 against government proposals to increase pension contributions and pension’s ages.
The unions that have balloted for strike action are UNISON, GMB, UNITE, ATL, AEP, ASPECT, UCU, NAHT and the NASUWT. A
A briefing note and guidance has been issued to schools in relation the industrial action that is planned for 30 November 2011, and includes advice in relation to planning; notifying parents; contingency arrangements; notifying the Local Authority (data required and timescales); handling the media and post strike action.
NUT and ATL industrial action concerning pensions on 30 June 2011
The below briefing note and guidance was sent to schools in relation the industrial action that took place on 30 June 2011.
- Briefing Note for Schools - NUT and ATL industrial action concerning pensions on 30 June 2011
(PDF: 69KB)
The briefing note includes advice in relation to planning; notifying parents; contingency arrangements; notifying the Local Authority (data required and timescales); handling the media and post strike action.
Trade Unions balloted members in relation to taking strike action against government proposals to increase pension contributions and pensions ages. Ballots closed on 14 June 2011 and members voted to support the proposed strike action. Employers were formally notified that one day strike action would take place nationally on 30 June 2011.
Other relevant documents:
- Director of Barnet Children's Service note to schools (PDF: 48KB)
- Michael Gove’s (Secretary of State for Education) letter to Local Authorities (external)
- Michael Gove’s letter to schools (external)
- Michael Gove’s letter to Academies (external)
What is industrial action?
- Strike action means that staff do not attend work on the day that the action is taking place and do not need to contact school on the day to indicate whether they will be attending work. Teaching staff should not be expected to prepare any work for classes that they would have taught.
- It is unlikely that staff who are not taking industrial action will be prepared to agree to carry out the work that those taking the action would have undertaken. Regulation 7 of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003 makes it unlawful for agencies to supply or introduce work seekers to replace employees who are undertaking official industrial action if the agency is aware of the action. Therefore it is not advisable for governing bodies to seek to engage the services of employment agencies for this purpose.
- Where picketing takes place, employees not directly involved in the industrial action may refuse to cross picket lines. Such employees can normally be regarded as being on strike and treated accordingly. Occasionally however, employees may be willing to cross picket lines but are reluctant to do so for fear of their safety. In such circumstances, the governing body should try and ensure that staff are given every protection in crossing the picket line, or where practicable, is given the opportunity to work at another establishment. If the governing body considers a member of staff has made every effort to cross the picket line but was unable to do so, then the governing body may decide not to treat their absence as industrial action.
NAHT and NUT industrial action relating to Key Stage 2 - May 2010
- Briefing Note for Schools (sent 28/04/2010) (PDF: 59KB)
Email this pageLast modified by: Lauren Burbidge on 22/11/2011