France is not the only country where the question of teachers’ salaries is on the table. In England and Northern Ireland, teachers go on strike.
In Northern Ireland, the strike takes place on Wednesday 26 April. In England it will be the next day, Thursday April 27. The main teachers’ union is calling for a stoppage of work to ask the government to review its copy on salary increases. Faced with inflation, the public authorities have proposed an exceptional bonus of 1,000 pounds (1,100 euros) and an increase of 4.3% in 2024. Very insufficient, respond the unions who have consulted their base, as wanted by the rule across the Channel before triggering a social conflict. The result is 98% in favor of the strike!
The message is clear and clear. Unions judge Sunak government’s proposal “insulting”, in view of a loss of purchasing power estimated at 23% for 13 years. Moreover, inflation remains very high in the United Kingdom, above 10% over the last 12 months.
A showdown with the government
In both primary and secondary schools, many schools will therefore remain closed on Wednesday in England. On the other hand, no worries in Scotland or Wales, because there salary agreements have been found with teachers. The management of education is highly decentralized in the UK. And in both nations, significant raises have been given to professors. In Scotland for example, it is 7% retroactive over one year, plus a further increase of 5% in 2023.
Faced with the strikes, the British government seems to want to arm wrestle and denounces the irresponsibility of the unions. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said a few days ago: “We think our proposal was reasonable and honest given the context. So obviously I’m disappointed. I don’t want our children’s education to be held hostage, no one does I’m sure. But our door remains. open and I hope we find a solution.”
That said, in fact, no new negotiations are currently planned. And Education Minister Gillian Keegan even threatens to withdraw the initial proposal for an exceptional bonus of 1,100 euros. The unions, they are determined to do it again. A new day of strike is already scheduled for Tuesday, May 2.
A conflict ready to restart in hospitals
At the end of 2022, the country had already been faced with a series of strikes, and it is far from over. In some sectors, agreements have been reached, for example, with bus drivers or criminal lawyers. But the entire public service is called to stop work the day after tomorrow. The passport service has been disrupted for many weeks. And above all, the strike could restart at the hospital. The unions, here too, consult their members. Same thing in rail transport, where strikes have simply been suspended. No salary agreement was reached.
This subject continues to be at the top of the political agenda. Since the arrival of Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street in the fall of 2022, the Conservatives have regained some of their lag behind the Labor opposition. But the gap remains substantial in the polls: about 15 points ahead for Labor just over a year from the next election.