(Since this Local Voice was published the government has retreated on its proposals. This is a major victory for public sector unions. However if this is a temporary tactical retreat then the union will need to take action in the future.  All non-members should be made aware of the consequences of the raising the retirement age...and join the union if they want to prevent it taking place.)

LOCAL VOICE

NUT NATIONAL STRIKE BALLOT

68% RETURN FROM WEST SUSSEX IN FAVOUR OF ACTION.

In the recent poll West Sussex had the second highest return nationally in favour of Action, which perhaps reflects our age profile, or, our determination to see that we retain a decent pension! We now need to turn the poll into Action, the first of which will be a national ballot and we need a really LARGE return from you all. If you are unsure whether you are still a member please contact the membership hot line on  0845 3001669 .  If we get a ballot in favour of a Day of Action then West Sussex is proposing that there would be a Rally in Worthing, coaches will be laid on, OR, there could be a National Rally in which case we would organise for a really strong presence from West Sussex to be present at the event.

 

Some reminders of why we are thinking of taking Action.

We believe that teachers should have the right to retire at 60 with an unreduced pension. Many teachers will be financially affected by these changes. Many might not enjoy good health if they have to work full time until they retire in order to have a decent pension.

 

The NUT has led the campaign against public sector pension cuts. We have leafleted lobbied and marched.

 

It is now clear that to persuade the Government to change its mind we have to take the next step.

 

In the run up to the election we have a real chance to make politicians listen to us.

 

THAT IS WHY THE UNION IS ABOUT TO BALLOT YOU FOR ONE-DAY STRIKE ACTION.

We want the maximum possible return on this ballot. The bigger the return the more influence the Union will have.

We are co-ordinating our action with other public sector unions like NATFHE, PCS and UNISON.

We want the other teacher unions to join in. Your Ballot may reach you over the EASTER holidays. Please look out for it and return it as soon as possible

 

 

UPS 3 95% OF WEST SUSSEX TEACHERS HAVE GOT IT?

Is this true in your school? Let Human Resources know at County and us!

 

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual general meeting was held at the Arora international hotel in Crawley on Saturday 2 of February. It was well attended by retired members and Phil Dufty our long valued and esteemed Treasurer was made President. Jonathon Esden stepped down after a very successful year as President. After the meeting a reception and lunch was held to which officers of the County and other Union representatives are invited. The occasion was made particularly pleasant by the performance of a jazz trio who played to us before the lunch. The main speaker at the lunch was John Bangs who stood for the job of General Secretary and recently was campaigning for the role of Deputy General Secretary.  He gave a good speech on the state of education with some comments on the future plans of the R.I.G.  Group. Phil Dufty was very entertaining in his speech and reminded us of some of the historical events we have all lived through with successive Governments. It was also an occasion where we said thank you and farewell to Dick Boland who retired last year from our Regional office in Hayward’s Heath. We were pleased to see past officers of the County, Richard Bunker (who now works for the N.F.E.R. and knows John Bangs well from their work for the organisation) at the lunch offering their support for the important work that our Union does for the County. It would be good to see more members of the union attend next year’s lunch so put the date in your diary for next year!

PENSIONS CAMPAIGN

You should have received from the Union a postal vote on what action you wish to take on the subject of your pension. We hoped for a good response from members and strongly remind everyone to let the Union know your change of address as there are likely to be a lot of urgent communications over pay and pensions in the next few months. The membership number is  0207 388 6191

NATIONAL CONFERENCE GATESHEAD 2005-03-06

The delegation for conference will be: -

Angela Ahearne

Bob Cross

Phil Dufty

Jonathon Esden

Marje Hammond

Nick Isherwood

Fiona MacDonald

Derek McMillan

Chris Miles

Dave Thomas
 

We are looking forward to being in the new conference centre in Gateshead where the Labour Party recently held their conference. (It is the undulating building on the riverfront)

To attend National Conference next year and to find out what goes on is easy, come to a General meeting which will be held in a school near you. We always have some spaces for observers and we have someone to explain what is going on to you throughout the whole event. It is a great way to meet and network with people in the profession. Conference is both a very sociable event and a chance to find out what is going on in the profession at a national level.

 

NQT EVENTS

We are looking for events that NQT’s and recent NQT’s would like to attend to get to know their local union. It is the strength of this union that supports people in their roles in their schools. We are planning to run the very popular trip to France in the summer term so look out for details, which will be coming your way soon. Veronica Peppiatt will be asking you for your preference so please keep an eye out for communications and respond!