FORMED in 2017 through the merger of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and the National Union of Teachers (NUT), the NEU has a rich heritage of championing the rights of educators and fighting for a better education system.

To understand the NEU’s role and potential future, it is essential to delve into the histories of its precursor unions and the path that led to their unification.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT)

Established in 1870, the National Union of Teachers was one of the oldest trade unions in the UK. It began as a small organisation aiming to improve the status and working conditions of teachers at a time when education was becoming increasingly important to the nation’s future.

Over the decades, the NUT grew in strength and influence, becoming a formidable force in advocating for teachers’ rights, better pay, and improved educational standards.

Throughout the 20th century, the NUT was at the forefront of numerous campaigns and strikes. From the fight for equal pay for women teachers in the 1950s to the major industrial actions in the 1980s over pay and workload, the NUT consistently demonstrated its commitment to militancy and effective action.

It played a crucial role in shaping education policy and labour laws, often challenging government policies that threatened the quality of education and the welfare of its members.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL)

Formed later than the NUT, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers was established in 1978 through the amalgamation of the Association of Assistant Mistresses (AAM), the Assistant Masters Association (AMA), and the Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions (ATTI).

The ATL represented a broad spectrum of educators, including teachers, lecturers, support staff, and leadership roles in schools and further education institutions.

While the ATL shared many goals with the NUT, its approach was often seen as more moderate and collaborative. It focused heavily on professional development and the welfare of its members, providing extensive support and resources to improve teaching standards and working conditions.

Despite this, the ATL was not averse to taking a strong stand when necessary, particularly in defending the professionalism and autonomy of educators.

The formation of the NEU

The merging of the NUT and ATL in 2017 to form the National Education Union was a strategic move aimed at unifying the teaching profession and enhancing the bargaining power of educators.

The merger created the largest education union in Europe, representing over 450,000 members across all educational phases, from early years to further education.

The NEU has since continued the legacy of both precursor unions, advocating fiercely for improved pay, reduced workload, and better funding for education. It has also embraced a broader social justice agenda, recognising the interconnectedness of educational issues with wider societal inequalities. The NEU’s campaigns have addressed issues such as child poverty, discrimination, and the mental health crisis among students and staff.

A call for industrial unionism and militancy

When the NUT and the ATL took the decision to merge, our members embraced the great aim of building professional unity in the workplace and the potential power of industrial unionism.

This means fighting in the long term for industrial union structures that enhance solidarity between all workers in the workplace - teachers and lecturers but also support staff, administrative workers, and anyone else involved in the education sector — creating a unified front capable of more effectively challenging the status quo.

Militancy is also key to the NEU’s success. The history of the NUT shows that significant gains are made through decisive, collective action.

Recent years have seen a resurgence in strikes and industrial action, reflecting growing frustration with government policies and austerity measures that have eroded the quality of education and the welfare of staff.

The NEU must continue to harness this energy, encouraging members to stand firm and take action when necessary.

The recent strikes in 2023, which saw tens of thousands of teachers walk out over pay and working conditions, underscore the power of collective action.

These strikes forced the government to the negotiating table and secured concessions that would not have been possible without a strong, militant stance.

The NEU must build on these successes, ensuring that militancy is not an occasional tactic but a core principle of its strategy.

Conclusion

The National Education Union, born from the rich histories of the NUT and ATL, has a vital role in shaping the future of education in the UK.

By embracing industrial unionism and a militant approach, the NEU can effectively advocate for all education workers, ensuring that their rights and the quality of education are protected and enhanced.

The challenges facing the education sector are significant, but with unity, solidarity, and a willingness to fight, the NEU can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of educators and students alike.