‘Teachers want to vote yes and strike’

Debs Gwynn is the NUT equalities officer for St Helen’s district. She told Socialist Worker that the ballot has galvanised teachers.

“Across the board, people are engaged,” she said. “People want to vote yes and they want to strike.

“It’s different to our national ballot in 2008—this time people are going out and talking to people face to face much more, not just relying on emails.”

Meanwhile, the NASUWT union has sent out a letter “strongly advising” its members not to go to NUT pensions meetings. But activists say this has backfired, with more joining the NUT instead.