Hundreds come to Carlisle union rally as teachers begin strike action

Trade unionists came together in the city centre to show ‘solidarity’ to striking workers and protest about the government’s ‘strike bill’ which would force unions to provide a minimum service during strikes and would leave certain workers facing the sack if they refuse.

Teachers in Cumbria have walked out on strike in a dispute over pay and working conditions and schools across the country have been either fully or partially closed due to the strikes.

The rally was organised by the National Education Union (NEU) national president, Carlisle city councillor and local teacher, Louise Atkinson who said that the decision for teachers to strike was not easy.

“Nobody takes the decision to strike lightly but it is sadly necessary,” said Cllr Atkinson.

“Striking is the only way to make employers take notice and teachers voted in unprecedented numbers to do so and nearly 40,000 have joined since the ballot result was announced.

“Our right to strike is so important and we must protect it going forward.”

Speeches at the rally were given by local trade union members and activists alongside a joint speech from local teens, Josh and Esme, 17, who spoke of their support for the teachers despite the strike affecting their education.

The main speech at the rally was delivered by Cumbrian teacher, Nic, who said that teachers were simply ‘exhausted’.

“Schools are stretched beyond belied and we’re seeing resources just not there,” said Nic.

“I’ve seen teachers buy resources for the classroom, I know teachers that are providing food for their students, teachers that are buying clothes for students – we do it out of love.

Cumbrian teacher, Nic, after her speech (Image: Isaac Cooper)“I’m not standing here about pay. Am I rich? No. Did I think I was going to be rich in teaching? No. I’m standing here because of the cuts.

“I’m standing here as a very, very tired teacher but I’m extremely proud to be standing here.

“I had a child come up to me this morning saying I was a hero for standing up for my rights – and that’s all I need to know.

University lecturers at the University of Cumbria were also on strike on Wednesday in the first 18 days of strike action across February and March.

UCU representative for the University, Scott Inglis said: “I’m not happy with the thought of 18 days of strike action – I lose a day’s pay every time – but we’re resolved to continue. It’s horrible but we’ve got to carry on.”

The university has previously said that it is “committed to handling the action in a responsible and sensible way.

L-R: PCS picket line, ASLEF picket line and UCU picket line (Image: Isaac Cooper)University staff were joined by train drivers who are members of the rail union ASLEF and members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) who work in the rural payment agency and the animal and plant agency.

Mick Scott, a member of ASLEF said: “We were deemed key workers during the pandemic but now we’re being used as political pawns by the government.

“We’ve had below inflation pay rises for 13 years and there’s only so much we can take.

Mr Scott’s thoughts were echoed by PCS rep, David Niven who said: “We believe that we a wealthy country and the government can make sure that working people can get a better deal. The government is for the rich not for workers.”

Teachers are set to take three more days of strike action across February and March but have warned that more is on the way if the government don’t come to the table and negotiate.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has called strike action by the National Education Union (NEU) “deeply disappointing”.

Speaking on the first day of teacher strikes in England and Wales, Ms Keegan said: “I am very grateful to head teachers for all their work to keep our schools open and to minimise the impact of today’s strike action.

“One school closure is too many and it remains deeply disappointing that the NEU proceeded with this disruptive action – but many teachers, head teachers and support staff have shown that children’s education and wellbeing must always come first.

“Conversations with unions are ongoing and I will be continuing discussions around pay, workload, recruitment and retention, and more.”

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