Another group has joined the battle against pension cuts in the UK and this time it is the head teacher’s union. NAHT, the National Association of Head Teachers, will cast a ballot to poll members on taking industrial action over government’s pension reforms.
NAHT is just the latest of unions to become involved in the fight against pension reforms. In the continuing efforts of unions throughout the UK, NAHT is one more union vowing to strike on 30 November if government doesn’t re-evaluate cuts in public pensions. NAHT is comprised of head teachers numbering in the vicinity of 28,500 strong and these heads are going to hold the first-ever ballot to strike on 29 September. This is the first time such a ballot will be held in the 114 years the union has been in existence.
The outcome of this vote would mean that a combined strike would be imminent, including other classroom unions who would all join together with unions representing multiple trades and professions. A strike would also mean that most schools would be shut down in both England and Wales. Presently the Association of Teachers and Lecturers as well as the National Union of Teachers are already set for rolling strikes while the Public and Commercial Services Union is joining the November strike.
None of this bodes well for the UK as more and more unions join the strike effort. Pension cuts have been in the spotlight since government targeted these cuts as part of the austerity programme. Amongst the changes they are rebelling against are higher contributions, a rise in retirement age and that pension schemes should be replaced by those of the average public sector worker’s scheme. Government has refused to negotiate which has prompted strong response from teachers’ unions across the board.
