The sheer number present on the day, estimated at half a million, points to organisational acumen and bodes well for developing the movement, says DIANE ABBOTT
May Day, May Day! This is the fight of our lives
As the strikes rumble on, NEU rep ROBERT POOLE asks if, with the four main teaching unions set to take joint action, it is time for one big education union
People listen to Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary National Education Union (NEU) speaking at a rally in Westminster, London, as they stage walkouts across England in an ongoing dispute over pay, May 2, 2023
A packed fringe meeting at the National Education Union conference heard from Iranian teachers, campaigners and journalists
CLAUDIA WEBBE says the US is tightening the noose to destroy Cuban socialism — the need for immediate, international solidarity is urgent
MAT COWARD recommends a crop that keeps growing well under drought conditions
Cypriot lawyer and former central committee member of the Progressive Working People’s Party (Akel) TOUMAZOS TSIELEPIS discusses the case for expelling the British military from Cyprus
US aggression has plunged us into an energy price crisis that will spark steep inflation across the board — and the shock will be much worse than in the 1970s, warns MICHAEL BURKE
THE alarm rings at 6am and I’m up and out to another early morning picket at the school gates. Day 6 of the National Education Union strikes and no end in sight so far.
The good news is the rain has held off for the last two pickets and it is starting to warm up — a little at least. Towards the last round of strikes, the pickets started to dwindle as fatigue set in so it was good to see colleagues coming to the picket line as the morning went on — some for the first time.
The proximity to Year 11 exams has had an impact on striking as staff are torn between what they see as doing the best for their exam classes and supporting the strike.
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Five years ago, on May Day 2020, as the initial shockwaves of the pandemic rippled through our society, #RedForKeyWorkers launched. To mark International Workers’ Day this year, the need to honour and fight for those who keep our society running is more urgent than ever, write ROBERT POOLE and HENRY FOWLER
Educators must fight for an inclusive, creative system that values all children
The NEU’s annual conference promises heated debate, with motions on international politics, curriculum reform and union amalgamation likely to provoke strong reactions and challenge the status quo, writes Education for Tomorrow editor ROBERT POOLE
