ATL

ATL prepares to ballot for a national strike over pensions

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) action committee voted on Friday (Jan 21) to make preparations for a national ballot of the union's members over changes to teachers' and lecturers' pensions which the Government is seeking to impose.

Traditionally one of the most moderate teaching unions, ATL was last involved in national action in 1979.

ATL members are outraged at the Chancellor's demand for a 3.4% increase in pension contributions by 2014. They are particularly incensed since only four years ago they agreed to changes to the teachers' pension scheme (TPS) to ensure it was both affordable and sustainable.

ATL general secretary, Dr Mary Bousted, said: "Members are rightly furious that the Government has delayed a full valuation of the pension scheme and is now demanding that they pay more into their pensions before knowing whether this is necessary. And to add insult to injury teachers and lecturers are being asked to agree these changes in February, well before Lord Hutton's review into public sector pensions reports in March.

"It is grossly unfair to expect teachers and lecturers to shoulder the burden of a budget deficit, for which they were not responsible. It looks like teachers and lecturers are being prepared as the sacrificial lambs to make the Chancellor's Budget sound better.

Alice Robinson, ATL senior vice president and chair of ATL's action committee, said: "Industrial action would be a last resort for ATL members. We are more than happy to negotiate any necessary changes, but we will not accept having changes imposed on us. We expect the Government to honour the process agreed with the TUC for reviewing all public sector pensions. And we expect to be told the financial health of the Teachers' Pension Scheme before agreeing to any changes.

"Our Action Committee, which met for the first time in nine years, decided to prepare for a ballot in case the Government continues to refuse to negotiate any changes and provide a proper valuation of the TPS.

"Teachers and lecturers are realistic and know that longer life expectancy means pension schemes need to be kept under review. But the average teacher's pension at less than £10,000 a year is hardly a king's ransom. Teachers and lecturers want to be treated fairly, and are prepared to fight to ensure they are."

Notes to editors

1. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) is an independent, registered trade union and professional association, representing approximately 160,000 teachers, headteachers, lecturers and support staff in maintained and independent nurseries, schools, sixth form, tertiary and further education colleges in the United Kingdom.

2. ATL exists to help members, as their careers develop, through first rate research, advice, information and legal advice.

3. ATL is affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) and Education International (EI). ATL is not affiliated to any political party and seeks to work constructively with all the main political parties.