Teachers threaten joint strikes

The two biggest teaching unions in Britain could launch a united campaign of industrial action against cuts and attacks on education later this year.

The NUT and NASUWT announced the plan this week. United strikes could close 90 percent of schools.

Trade unionists will protest in Sheffield on Saturday 14 July to defend pensions, education and other public services.

The demonstration is one of two called that day by the NUT and NASUWT teaching unions to target Nick Clegg and David Cameron’s constituencies.

The trades council in Sheffield and the local CWU union branch have already backed the demo.

Ben Morris from Sheffield NUT told Socialist Worker, “We’re trying to make it a staging post for the national TUC demonstration on 20 October.”

Sheffield’s Unison branch has booked six coaches for the TUC protest while other unions are looking into hiring a train.

Ben added that new militants are an “increasing minority” among teachers.

Unite the Resistance national conference

Saturday 23 June, 11am-4.30pm

Bloomsbury Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8EP

Speakers include Mark Serwotka and John McDonnell MP

www.uniteresist.org