Teachers are striking nationwide today for the first time in 21 years.
Not content with a real term pay increase of 19% over the last decade and at least 13 weeks holiday per year, teachers are unhappy with the 2.45% pay offered by the government and are demanding 4.1%.
A colleague recently claimed that teaching was not a "particularly skilled" job and at primary school level was essentially "babysitting".
Not sure that I exactly agree with that view, but I don't think they do too badly. The problem is that now they have decided to walkout, the teachers immediately lose any shred of sympathy from parents who see their child being denied a days education.
Parents also have to take time off work or arrange extra childcare, no doubt at extra cost. Employers are hit by staff missing for the day or having to make last minute arrangements.
One MP even went so far to say that teachers should be subject to a no-strike agreement, much the same as police or prison officers.
Whichever side of the fence you come down on, I think teachers need a healthy dose of realism injected into the staffroom.
Comments (1)
Well said that man - totally ridiculous! In my experience good teachers would never wish to strike as they are focused on the kids. As for the rest of them - well I can't say what I really think as it wouldn't get published!
Posted by Scott McArthur | April 26, 2008 8:35 PM
Posted on April 26, 2008 20:35