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Teachers' unions merge to make super-union | Teachers' unions merge to make super-union |
(35 minutes later) | |
The members of two teaching unions have voted to merge to form a new super-union, to be called the National Education Union (NEU). | The members of two teaching unions have voted to merge to form a new super-union, to be called the National Education Union (NEU). |
The merged National Union of Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers will become the biggest union of teachers and educators in Europe. | |
ATL general secretary Mary Bousted said with nearly half a million members, the profession would have a stronger voice. | |
NUT head Kevin Courtney said the union would be a game-changer. | NUT head Kevin Courtney said the union would be a game-changer. |
The NEU will be formed on 1 September and will represent some 450,000 teachers, as well as other education workers such as teaching assistants and support staff. | |
Ballot results | |
Members of the NUT and ATL were balloted between 27 February and 21 March. | |
ATL members' response rate was 25% (29,841 votes), while the NUT's was 23% (67,865 votes). | |
Of the ATL members who voted, 73% (21,722) said Yes to the merger, while 97% (65,908) of NUT members said Yes. | |
Ms Bousted said the merger was a "historic moment". | |
"With nearly half a million members, we will speak with a stronger voice on behalf of education professionals and the children, young people and adults they support," she said. | |
"The government will need to listen when we speak on the key issues facing education - funding cuts, excessive workloads, the recruitment and retention crisis, the chaotic exam reform, and accountability." | "The government will need to listen when we speak on the key issues facing education - funding cuts, excessive workloads, the recruitment and retention crisis, the chaotic exam reform, and accountability." |
Mr Courtney said: "For too long, governments have played divide and rule amongst education unions. Today marks the beginning of the end of that. | |
"The NEU will be a game changer in the education landscape, and I am delighted to be jointly leading it forward over the coming months and years." | "The NEU will be a game changer in the education landscape, and I am delighted to be jointly leading it forward over the coming months and years." |
Ms Bousted and Mr Courtney plan on sharing the post of general secretary, saying they have a good working relationship and jointly can "get our union in many more places". |