The UK government has declared that for any future strike dates, schools and colleges in England will be asked to ensure a minimum number of staff are present. The announcement has led to criticism from teaching unions, who have described the government’s decision as “undemocratic” and an attack on the teachers’ right to strike.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan intends to discuss the matter with the unions, suggesting that in the future, the government could use powers established earlier this year. Initially, it will be on a voluntary basis rather than enforced by law.
Unions have stated that this proposal disregards the right to strike, with the National Education Union (NEU) General Secretary, Daniel Kebede, claiming that the government “has no democratic mandate to implement such an attack on our democratic freedoms.” Meanwhile, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the government should instead support the profession, as it struggles with staff shortages and an increasing number of school buildings affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which would apply to a variety of workers, is being referred to by Keegan. The government claims that such laws are essential for public access to critical services. The Department for Education has proposed that the agreement would safeguard children, students, and parents, ensuring education can continue despite any future strike action
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