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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 National Union of Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers will become the biggest union of teachers and educators in Europe. 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, teachers would have a stronger voice. 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.
Ms Bousted said the merger, which takes effect from September this year, was a "historic moment". 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.
"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. 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. 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".