ATL's position on pay and industrial action

Guidance to ATL teacher members in sixth form colleges and maintained schools including academies, in England and Wales: NUT/NASUWT industrial action.

A message from Mary Bousted, ATL general secretary

Colleagues, I am in no doubt about the seriousness of the coalition government's attacks on your pay and working conditions.

The dismantling of your salary structure could stifle your chances of pay progression, make it impossible for you to move jobs, and subject you to a process which is disheartening at best, bullying at worst.

Constant pressure from OfSTED, from ever-changing diktats on how and what to teach, and from relentless requirements to hit targets at whatever cost, has pushed your morale through the floor.

Against this backdrop, I admire your resilience as you continue to deliver the important job of teaching and learning.

ATL members went on strike on two days in 2011 over changes to your pension. We know this action brought the government to the negotiating table and secured the offer that you chose to accept, and we don't believe any further improvements will be secured.

I know from talking to you that you want ATL to continue to lobby hard at the heart of government for an end to the onslaught, and that you want us to forge links with parents and other groups to put pressure on government to allow you to do your job.

And so, at this point, ATL is not seeking to join NUT and NASUWT in their plans for industrial action, but should you, the members, decide you wish to change this position, then we will listen.

Please be assured that I will work hard to represent your views at the highest level, and I will not be found shouting from the sidelines.

Information on NUT and NASUWT's proposed action during summer and autumn terms

The NUT and NASUWT have proposed 27 June 2013 as a day of action in the North West in the first of localised strikes which could continue into the autumn term, culminating in a national day of action before Christmas.

Should the action take place, ATL has information and advice on what to do when colleagues from other unions take industrial action.

NUT and NASUWT members have also been instructed to increase their 'work to rule' action.

ATL believes the contractual rights resulting from the Workload Agreement give you enough protection.

ATL members are advised that if you do not receive your contractual entitlements you should contact ATL for further advice (headteacher members should contact the AMiE helpline on 01858 464171), and you may, if you wish, join in any joint union approach to management.

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