Message from Christine Blower

April 24 was a really good day for the Union. We got lots of media coverage, some supportive some less so but all affording the opportunity to make our case for Fair Pay For Teachers.

Especially pleasing was the involvement of younger teachers both in speaking at rallies and giving interviews to the media. Even more pleasing is that net membership of the Union is up. As of 24th April some members had chosen to resign but far more had chosen to join. On one day we had so many calls that the phones could barely manage and we had to divert joiners to a specially prepared page on teachers.org.uk!

Many, if not all the rallies featured a minutes silence or applause in memory of and as a mark of respect for Steve. In his letter of support for our action Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON included a handwritten note which said:

"Steve would have been so proud of you all". I think there was a real sense of the pride Steve would have felt at all the events.

The Union received messages of support from other unions both in the UK and internationally. And the international dimension was also evident in the interviews given to TV crews covering the strike from Germany, Italy and China, as well as a radio interview with a station in Los Angeles.

Going forward there is the TUC Lobby of Parliament to take place on June 9th in which I hope many members will be able to participate. The question then is not whether we continue to campaign but how.

There is still much to be done to ensure that teachers' pay is protected and increased and that all of the issues arising from Conference are progressed.

I look forward to working with you on all these and building the Union through active campaigning.

May I also wish you a happy May Day for May 1st.