The NUT is holding a consultative ballot to determine members’ views on new workload guidelines and on their commitment to the reduction of excessive working time and the removal of unnecessary workload. The Electoral Reform Ballot Services Limited has been appointed as the Independent Scrutineer.
The overall trend, identified in the Workload Survey of the Office of Manpower Economics, in the number of teaching hours worked in a week shows increases for most categories of teachers since 2005. The much vaunted reductions in workload claimed by the Government are proving non-existent or short-lived.
In a recent survey, the Teacher Support Network reported that workload remains a concern for many teachers calling their help line. Their report goes on to say: “Often teachers find themselves overwhelmed and unable to devise, or even implement, strategies to address this situation.”
THE BALLOT
The ballot will include two questions: the first concerns the Union’s workload guidelines; the second asks members whether they would be prepared to take industrial action in the event that theirendeavours within their schools have been unsuccessful.
Along with the ballot paper, each member will receive a leaflet which explains and summarises the Union’s workload guidelines. There will be a Reply Paid envelope for the return
VOTE ‘YES’
The National Union of Teachers is committed to a high quality education service that meets the needs of all our children. At the same time, the Union is determined to achieve for all its members the removal of excessive and unnecessary workload. It seeks to address the need to reduce teachers’ working time and to gain a better work/life balance for the profession. This will be good for teachers, their families and for the children in our schools.
The ballot is being undertaken as part of the campaign to enable members to secure their rights under the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; their entitlements under regulation and legislation; and, the implementation of NUT policy and advice within their schools.
CONSULTATIVE BALLOT ARRANGEMENTS
The ballot commences on 20 November 2006, and concludes at midday on 11 December 2006. NUT members should receive ballot papers by 23 November. The ballot will include all members in England and Wales, including supply teachers and those centrally employed.
TELEPHONE AND EMAIL HOTLINE
Ballot papers will be despatched 20 November.
For NUT members who do not receive ballot papers, a Telephone Hotline will be open from 24 November to 5 December (9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m). The hotline number is 0207 380 6300.
Please have ready your details, including:
- membership number OR
- postcode of your home/school
- any recent changes of address, including details of former
addresses.
Members can request ballot papers by emailing workload06ballot@nut.org.uk.
NUT General Secretary, Steve Sinnott, said:
“By responding positively to the Union’s ballotmembers will strengthen significantly the Union’s campaign for a better work/life balance and improved conditions for all. I urge members to vote ‘YES’ to both questions.”
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