The teaching profession in England is not usually renowned for its militancy. On 16th November, 1968, it was announced that the membership of the N.U.T. had turned down affiliation to the T.U.C. in spite of a recommendation to do otherwise by their leadership.
On the whole the image is one of 'old women of both sexes' dedicated, they believe to the pupils, or frighteningly cynical, with no understanding of the contradictions inherent in the system of education in this society. There does, however, seem to be a new mood among teachers, particularly among those who have recently come from colleges and universities. There is little information in the national press or even in the left wing press about teachers and their working conditions and pay, as distinct from educational questions. We felt, therefore, it would be worthwhile to consider some of the factors influencing teachers at present.
Firstly there is general discontent in the staff rooms because of Government cuts and their effect on staffing quotas and building programmes. All these obviously add to the strain of the job. Other possible factors creating tensions are authoritarian heads, and antiquated teaching methods of other staff. But there is, we believe, a second deeper reason for this discontent, often not understood by the teachers themselves: the fundamental contradiction between their aims as 'educators' and the demands of society for 'batches' of technocrats as well as 'the hewers of wood and drawers of water'. (We hope to submit an article on this theme later.)
During recent months general discontent has been exacerbated. There was a slight improvement in the conditions of work when the clause in the 19[illegible] Education Act, which enabled teachers to be compelled to supervise pupils during lunch break, was repealed. There has been some confusion over this and many teachers still feel duty-bound to do this arduous task. Secondly many authorities are economising by cutting down on part-time staff - possibly full-time too after the most recent announcements. It has been rumoured that some newly qualified teachers were unable to find jobs at the beginning of this academic year. The teachers know we don't have too many teachers.
Every two years, on average, a new pay award is negotiated for teachers. This is negotiated through the Burnham Committee, comprised of representatives from the local authorities and the various teachers unions, of which the N.U.T. is the largest and most comprehensive. One of the N.U.T.'s priorities is to raise the basic scale of payment from £600 p.a. to £1,500 p.a. up to £900 to £1,700, a rather large increase for the Prices and Incomes Board to stomach even if the local authorities would pay. Up to now they seem to be ignoring the political implications of this. At any stage either of the parties can declare that deadlock has been reached and appeal through the chair for arbitration. If the chairman agrees nominees are put forward from either side, and they sit with a Government appointed 'impartial' chairman.
Whatever criticisms, and there are many, there may be of the N.U.T. there is no doubt that all teachers should pay their levy immediately to their local association treasurer and encourage their 'colleagues' to do likewise. They should also campaign within their association for action, including special salaries meetings, and a Special Conference of the union early in the new year. It is an appalling situation, with so many socialists in teaching that they do not concern themselves with their own union. There is no doubt in our minds that with increasing cuts in public expenditure on education and the severe frustration among all teachers that this is a very important area of work.
If there is deadlock the only hope for an improved offer would seem to be for the teachers to refuse to take part in arbitration at the same time initiating some form of strike action to press their claim. Come what may, an action committee has already been set up by the Executive of the N.U.T. and they are considering strikes, perhaps a one day national strike followed by area strikes. To do this successfully the sustentation (strike) fund has to be built up, and a campaign is being organised for the payment of a voluntary levy of one day's pay from [illegible]
It has much potential.