The National Education Union (NEU) has issued a strong warning to the government, stating that Labour MPs will face political consequences if teachers in England do not receive a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise. Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of NEU, expressed disappointment in the pay recommendation put forth by ministers and emphasized that NEU members expect better treatment from a Labour government.
Kebede asserted that NEU members are prepared to take action if necessary, including campaigning in Labour constituencies and potentially going on strike. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson cautioned against any move towards industrial action by teaching unions, describing it as unjustifiable. The government has proposed a 2.8% pay increase for teachers in England, with an expectation that schools will need to find ways to fund it through cost-cutting measures.
At the NEU conference in Harrogate, it was decided that a formal strike action ballot will be conducted if the current pay offer remains unacceptable or if additional funding is not allocated. Kebede criticized the Labour government, stating that after years of Conservative austerity, better treatment for teachers is expected. He stressed the importance of a pay rise above inflation that is fully funded to address the issues of teacher pay and recruitment.
In a separate incident at the conference, Kebede engaged in a verbal altercation with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, labeling the party as racist and far-right. Farage retaliated by threatening to confront teaching unions if his party wins the next general election. Kebede dismissed Farage’s comments, highlighting his lack of knowledge about education and condemning the government for entertaining such ideologies through their austerity measures
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