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Conference2007 |
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National Conference 2007
President’s Address
“No one can deny that we have had more funding – but that funding has all too frequently been tied to short term projects. The only long term funding on offer seems to be that going to private companies through the PFI and academies.
In reality, this is tied to pushing a privatisation agenda which divides and creates competition between school communities. And now we have Building Schools for the Future – again money with strings attached.
In the Government’s world of league tables and results they want to find a way of ensuring that selection takes place but by hiding it behind a notion of providing so-called ‘choice’.
The policy to expand the number of faith schools will also increase selection. The dividing up of communities creates inequalities and does nothing to foster mutual understanding. Instead it ensures that segregation within communities continues and is exacerbated.
I have no doubt that for some, behind notions of what it means to be British, stands the shadow of racism. For them this is not about integration, participation and pride in the country in which you live but more about a failure to assimilate or, indeed, who should be here in the first place. We need to embrace everyone regardless of colour, creed or where they hail from. We need to respect their history and recognise their culture.
And last, but not least we have also had the Government’s so called social partnership in education. Other teacher unions clearly choose to collaborate. Not only did they sign up to the so called remodelling agenda but they were party to drawing up a scheme which forced pay cuts on teachers by replacing Management Allowances with TLR payments. If being a so called partner means having to surrender our members’ entitlement to career and pay progression, protected salaries and the entitlement of all students to be taught by a qualified teacher, then we would rather stand outside such a ‘partnership’.”
Priority Motion on Public Sector Pay
Conference rejected any suggestions that high quality public services can be assisted or improved on the basis of discriminatory, unfair and demotivating public sector pay policies.
Accordingly, Conference rejected the Government’s two per cent pay target for teachers and other public sector workers when inflation is currently running at 4.6%.
Conference therefore instructed the Executive to take all possible steps including through the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Public Sector Liaison Group to build a joint campaign of opposition at national and local levels to the Government’s unfair public sector pay limit supported, if necessary, by joint industrial action.
In accordance with these objectives Conference instructed the Executive to take urgent steps to prepare to ballot members for a national one day strike in co-operation with the largest possible coalition of other teachers’ organisations and public sector unions as the first stage of any industrial action which is required to protect the pay of teachers and of other public sector workers.
Salary Policy
Conference deplored the continuing strategy of the Government of seeking to agree proposals for teachers’ pay through the Rewards and Incentives Group (RIG).
Conference believed that the imposition of a multi-year salary rise that fails to meet the increase in the cost of living, the failure to fully fund progression up the Upper Pay Spine, and the deliberate withholding of funds to try to force schools to award fewer TLRs than Management Allowances, were intended to hold basic pay below inflation and make career progression more difficult.
Conference welcomed the Executive’s initiative in demanding that the STRB and Government reopen the issue of teachers’ pay in accordance with the “trigger mechanism” recommended by the STRB and accepted by Government in 2006. Conference also declared its opposition to any proposals for a further long term pay imposition for teachers which, it believed, will lead to a further worsening of teachers’ real and relative pay.
Conference congratulated all those members who took strike action in support of colleagues who were threatened with loss of pay as a result of the TLR system introduced with the support of members of the RIG group. It instructed the Executive to continue to support and encourage such action.
Conference instructed the Executive to seek:
1. An increase of £3,000 or 10% (whichever is the greater) on all salary scales;
2. An increase of 10% in the value of all allowances;
3. The merging of the main and upper pay scales into a single scale with annual progression up it;
4. Increased Inner and Outer London and Fringe Allowances of £7,000.00, £5,000.00 and £2,000.00 respectively.
Conference instructed the Executive to prepare a campaign of publicity and action in support of the claim itself and the opening of negotiations on it. The campaign must also include specific strategies for preventing the extension of performance related pay through the use of performance management, and resisting the imposition of further multi-year imposed pay settlements.
Professional Unity
Conference believed that our struggle to defend teachers’ pay and conditions and to prevent the privatisation and fragmentation of children’s education would be strengthened if teachers belonged to a single democratic and campaigning trade union.
Unfortunately, the ‘social partnership’ approach adopted by the leaders of other teacher unions has undermined this struggle. However, the Union should take every opportunity to forge ‘unity in action’ with members of other unions by encouraging teachers to jointly take collective action to defend their terms and conditions.
Conference wholeheartedly welcomed the creation of the University and College Union (UCU) from the amalgamation of the AUT and NATFHE.
Conference believed that there are many lessons to be learned from the successful merging of education unions and called on the Executive to organise a one day conference/seminar on professional unity, inviting UCU to provide a key note speaker and other teacher unions to participate. The focus of the conference should be to draw up a programme around which teachers of all unions can take joint collective action.
Young Teachers and Pay
Conference congratulated the Executive on the success of the first Young Teachers’ Conference, which took place at Stoke Rochford Hall in July and the Young Teacher Advisory Group which has become part of the Union's structures.
Conferences instructed the Executive to:
i. Carry out a nationwide member survey of young teachers to secure data to assist the Union’s claim for improved salaries competitive with other graduate professions, including data on their housing costs and post-graduation debts;
ii. Campaign alongside other unions for affordable housing.
This should investigate the creation of affordable housing schemes for key workers across the country that are available equally for all teachers and not linked to any performance or responsibilities;
iii. Continue to campaign for competitive salaries for all newly qualified teachers which would progressively eliminate the need for selective recruitment incentives;
iv. Consider free membership for the first year or reduced membership rates for the first five years given debts that NQTs are saddled with.
Lesson Observation and Teacher Monitoring
Conference noted the dramatic increase in teacher monitoring and lesson observations in schools around the country. Sometimes they are under the guise of "Quality Assurance" or "Performance Management" but increasingly they are under the guise of simply "raising standards". Some heads are doing this with the encouragement of their local authority in order to avoid "going into a category" whether through low results, poor CVA, "coasting", etc. In this case there are few schools in the country that will escape excessive monitoring. This increases stress and workload for already hard-pressed classroom teachers.
Lesson observations can be a useful tool to help teachers in their professional development. However they can be used simply as a managerial tool to intimidate and harass teachers.
Conference welcomed the development by the Union of a model protocol for schools and guidance for members on lesson observation, which focuses on the manageability of and workload issues arising from schools’ monitoring procedures
Where there is a breach of this protocol the full force of the Union, up to and including strike action, should be put in place to defend members against any harassment.
Conference further noted that this increase in teacher monitoring and lesson observations is closely linked to the introduction of the Ofsted Self Evaluation Form (SEF)
Conference believed however that the current guidance on classroom observation should be seen as a starting point.
Conference disputed that statutory observation leads to an improvement in teaching.
Conference therefore called on the Executive to initiate a campaign to reduce observation requirements to a maximum of two (as agreed at Conference 2006) then to one only.
Building Schools for the Future
Conference welcomed extra funding for school building and refurbishment, but it was deeply concerned that the
Building Schools for the Future programme is a Trojan horse for two key elements of Labour’s education agenda – privatisation and vocationalism, which are contrary to the longstanding policies of this Union.
Conference deplored the pressure on local authorities to include Academies within their proposals for Building Schools for the Future funding. Despite denials by the Government that authorities have only to consider and evaluate the Academy option, Conference regretted the fact that many authorities have been pressured to include Academies to ensure approval of their BSF proposals and to obtain much needed capital funding for these schools and others in the authority.
Conference was also extremely concerned about the serious problems involved in managing the BSF programme and the resultant delays.
Conference noted that BSF money is tied to the ‘transformation’ of local secondary education systems, for which LAs have to submit a ‘vision and strategy’ for Government approval. The Government aims to use BSF as a key vehicle for the implementation of its 2005 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper, which aims to increase substantially the number of students on vocational and work based pathways geared to perceived employer ‘needs’, while leaving the academic pathway largely untouched.
Conference affirmed its commitment to the comprehensive ideal of a common broad and critical core curriculum for all till 16 for full participation in a democratic society, integrating both theory and practice, with a common work-related dimension for all which is in a critical not a training perspective, not tied to a limited occupational sector, and under the control of teachers not employers.
Conference resolved to campaign vigorously for this conception of education, and against LAs’ BSF-driven vocational agendas, within schools, the trade union and labour movement and the community.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Conference believed that as educators and trade unionists we have a vested interest in the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
Conference believed that global warming and the over-exploitation of the planet’s natural resources present a very serious challenge requiring urgent and significant action.
Conference believed that governments across the world have shown little real concern to achieve a reduction in global warming or switch to modes of sustainable development.
Conference believed that global justice cannot be achieved without sustainable development in the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world – but supported the demand that those peoples should be able to develop energy sources in pursuit of mass electrification. It is incumbent on the advanced industrial nations to make available the technology and resources to allow this to happen sustainably.
Conference believed that the measures adopted to lower carbon emissions must not damage the possibilities for development in the poorest regions – and therefore we rejected plans for carbon trading.
Conference believed that measures can and should be adopted to reduce carbon emissions include:
1. Increasing subsidies for public transport.
2. A massive programme of house insulation.
3. Construction of combined heat and power plants to reduce the inefficiencies involved in power generation.
4. The introduction of strict standards of insulation and energy efficiency in all new buildings.
In addition the Government should massively increase funds for research and development in alternative power generation methods and of carbon sequestration technologies.
Conference accepted that much is already happening in our schools and local authorities to address these issues, but that such initiatives need to be fully-funded, gain greater importance in the curriculum and extend to the Union’s own practices.
Finally, Conference believed that action on these issues will require a new level of global co-operation and political commitment to overcome the anarchy of existing world trade principles based on the doctrines of neo-liberalism.
Pupil Behaviour
Conference noted that the problem of unacceptable pupil behaviour has many causes. These causes include social and economic deprivation in society and the relentless pressures of testing and league tables.
Accordingly, Conference instructed the Executive to:
i. undertake and publish research, before Annual Conference 2008, into the impact of social class and social deprivation on pupil achievement, motivation and behaviour;
ii. co-operate with other unions and the TUC on developing policy to combat social class disadvantage.
However, the Union is committed to protecting our members from physical and verbal abuse or mental stress caused by the minority of very disruptive pupils. It is therefore crucial that where unacceptable pupil behaviour is likely to lead to industrial action that the necessary procedures take place as quickly as possible.
Conference instructed the Executive to ensure that Divisional Secretaries are appropriately advised to enable them to conduct the indicative ballot.
Conference further instructed the Executive to:
1. Mount a campaign to encourage members to seek the help of the Union for supportive action (up to and including industrial action) in schools where unacceptable pupil behaviour is not properly tackled;
2. Survey members regularly to ascertain the level of unacceptable behaviour to inform the campaign and measure its success.
3. Give the highest priority to publicising and distributing the Union’s guidance on pupil behaviour to underpin the campaign and to raise teachers’ awareness of their rights.
14-19 Education
Conference believed that if post-14 education is to meet the needs of all students it must not contain barriers to students’ learning. Conference reasserted, therefore, its opposition to the continuation of both covert and overt forms of selection and to the expansion in the number of schools which determine their own admission arrangements.
Conference reasserted its belief that all young people should have access to a genuine entitlement to a balanced and broadly based curriculum from age 14, and that specialisation should not preclude key areas of learning.
Conference welcomed the Government’s review of modern foreign languages but believes that it is not sufficient in scope to tackle the decline in numbers of students taking MFL. Conference believed that the study of another world language should be integral to a curriculum of the 21st century
Conference was extremely concerned that the new specialist diplomas due to be piloted from 2008 continue to exhibit the weaknesses of existing vocational qualifications identified by the Union.
Conference regretted that teachers have not been sufficiently involved in discussion about diploma content and schools not sufficiently prepared for changes that are being promoted by government as some of the most significant in secondary education.
Conference believed that the Government has failed to prevent schools facing an initiative overload in 2008.
Conference believed that the introduction of specialist diplomas, new GCSE specifications, the new Key Stage 3 curriculum, new functional skills requirement and the extended project pilot could represent an overwhelming burden for schools.
Conference noted the Government’s plans to keep young people in education or work-based training until they are 18 by 2013. Conference was concerned that unless the work-based training is sufficiently well resourced with proper financial rewards based on the European Decency Threshold level as well as recognised training standards, young people will be exploited by businesses and used as even cheaper labour.
False Allegations against teachers
Conference supported the right of students to be heard and taken seriously when they make allegations against teachers. Conference believed however that after thorough investigation, when allegations subsequently prove unfounded the reaction can be disproportionate and leaves a stain on a teacher’s career.
Conference further noted that in January 2007 the Government brought in new guidelines (Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education) on the processing of allegations against teachers which were intended to ensure that allegations of abuse are dealt with ‘effectively, fairly and promptly. Conference supported the view expressed by the General Secretary that “without the opportunity to ensure that records of malicious false allegations are removed entirely from their records, teachers will be vulnerable to such allegations blighting their careers”.
Conference recognised the damage that is often done to the career and well-being of those who face investigation of an allegation which is found to be false and believed that the effects will be aggravated by the retention and disclose of records relating to such allegations.
Conference reasserted the belief that a person is ‘innocent until proven guilty’. However was concerned that cases falling under Child Protection are often referred to and placed on a teacher’s CRB check by the Police, even when the case has been dismissed, disproved, or dropped by CPS. In many cases colleagues have been forced to give up teaching because of the way that the police have reported such investigations on CRB forms
Upper Limit for Temperature in Schools
Conference noted that, while Government and the Union have recognised minimum temperatures below which lessons should not be expected to take place, there is no maximum temperature limit above which classrooms are recognized as unusable.
Conference noted that
1. there is a deplorable lack of effective statutory protection or regulation on maximum temperatures and effective ventilation for school premises, notwithstanding the general provisions set out below
2. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 says “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.” Also that “…all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature….”
3. The World Health Organisation recommend 24°C as a Maximum for comfortable working and anything above 26°C as definitely unacceptable.
4. Nowhere is a reasonable temperature defined, and that schools and Local Authorities use the lack of legislation to say there is no upper limit – in many cases effectively ignoring their obligation to take all reasonable steps to achieve a comfortable temperature.
Conference believed that this is unacceptable. Very high temperatures have a deleterious effect on the ability of teachers and pupils to concentrate and to work effectively, and can cause physical discomfort and illness
Workload
Conference recognised that the legislative changes introduced through the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document have failed to create the “reasonable work-life balance” that teachers are supposedly entitled to expect.
Conference therefore welcomed the steps taken by the Union to establish a new set of guidelines designed to offer real protection to members from excessive workload.
Conference encouraged all members to seek the strongest application of these guidelines in their schools and workplaces and, further, to request a ballot for industrial action where the Union’s guidelines are being breached.
Conference recognised that one of the main causes of workload and stress for teachers, and a frequent symptom of a culture of bullying in a school, is the excessive requirement to submit planning for lessons.
Conference instructed the Executive to make limits on the submission of planning a major part of the continuing workload campaign, and to support members who wish to refuse to submit short term planning for inspection by headteachers and other managers unless there are exceptional reasons for doing so..
Teacher Mental Health
Conference noted:
1. The accumulated evidence suggesting that the number of teachers suffering from mental illness has increased to the point where 1 in 3 will experience mental health problems at some point in their career.
2. For many the severity of illness will shatter their lives and/or those of their families. Most teachers experiencing mental illness find it difficult or impossible to talk about with even the closest of friends or families. As a result the size of the problem has remained partially hidden.
3. The types and causes of mental illness are complex, but depression and acute anxiety are common amongst teachers. It is a major cause of teacher absence and many teachers are only able to continue working because of long-term medication.
4. Treatments provided by skilled mental health practitioners can help teachers manage and improve their mental health, but little or nothing has been done to keep work stress within manageable levels for all teachers. Employers regularly fail in their duty of care, aided and abetted by the ill-considered demands of successive Governments.
5. Not enough is known about the scale and causes of mental illness amongst teachers or of the most effective way of improving mental health. However this has now become an issue deserving of much greater priority.
Conference therefore instructed the Executive to:
(i) Establish a working party of both Executive and lay members to investigate and advise on promoting improved teacher mental health.
(ii) Use the ongoing reports prepared by the Working Party to press Government, Local Authorities, school governors and other employees to take urgent steps to improve the mental well-being of teachers.
(iii) Provide information for members and public information highlighting the issue of mental illness amongst teachers, including advice on strategies to reduce the risks of mental illness.
(iv) Ensure that the Union’s existing policies, including action guidelines, are fully implemented when it is necessary to protect teachers from excessive stress likely to lead to mental illness.
Supply Teachers
Conference recognised the value of qualified supply teachers as an important and essential resource, enabling continuity for children and staff in schools.
Conference recognised that the deterioration in pay and conditions of supply teachers is a threat to all the teaching profession as well as the quality of education in schools
Conference believed that supply teachers are losing opportunities to work due to the introduction of PPA time in September 2005 and the subsequent employment of staff without QTS (e.g., HLTAs) where supply teachers would have otherwise been employed.
Conference noted that local authorities are relinquishing their supply teacher lists and administration, leaving many supply teachers no choice but to use agencies.
Conference condemned the exploitation by some supply teacher agencies where Teachers’ Pay and Conditions are not adhered to, resulting in the supply teacher being paid less salary and having no pension contributions paid or other entitlements fulfilled.
Conference further condemned the exploitation of supply teachers by some head teachers who make verbal contracts with supply teachers, only to break them at their own discretion and at the ‘last minute’, taking no account of the supply teachers’ rights and concerns.
Conference acknowledged the insecure nature of supply teaching and the non-entitlement to sickness benefit should a supply teacher be unable to work due to illness.
Conference acknowledged that, although not impossible to do, supply teachers tend not to apply to go beyond Threshold, due to fears of becoming ‘too expensive’ and, therefore, forfeiting opportunities to work.
Conference acknowledged that supply teachers find it difficult to claim refunds of their GTC fees, often resulting in them paying the full fee themselves, while teachers who are employed by contract in one school have their fees automatically refunded.
Work-life Balance
Conference viewed with alarm that workforce reforms have resulted in no significant reduction in workload for teachers. With continued changes impacting on teachers and schools, the prognosis for manageable workload for teachers looks bleak
Conference also noted that the pay and career progression of women with family responsibilities is detrimentally affected by this excessive workload and that public authorities and schools are now required to take positive action (Gender Equality Duty, 2007) to remove barriers to gender equality by providing, for example, flexible working, convenient access to child care facilities and appropriate INSET.
With the continuing excessive levels of stress amongst teachers, showing no signs of reduction, it is crucial that urgent action is taken in schools to ensure that all teachers are enabled to have a work-life balance
Primary Curriculum
Conference welcomed the commissioning of Cambridge University to conduct the first independent enquiry into primary education since the Plowden Report in 1967.
Conference was deeply concerned that the Government’s approach to literacy and numeracy has limited the amount of time schools feel able to devote to their own priorities in other areas of the curriculum and has curtailed cross-curricular and curriculum-enrichment activities in many schools.
Conference was particularly concerned about programmes promoted through the Primary National Strategy such as the Intensifying Support Pilot. This highly structured and prescriptive target driven regime focuses on a few very narrow curriculum objectives. Evidence shows it can lead to de-motivation amongst pupils who are publicly ‘labelled’ according to whether they reach prescribed targets. There is little evidence to show that the pilot is justified by the educational outcomes.
Conference asserted that the National Curriculum in its present form does not encourage depth or individuality of learning; that it restricts access to new areas of knowledge and that it limits the capacity of teachers to construct imaginatively areas of teaching and learning which cross traditional subject barriers.
Conference noted that the Foundation Stage Profile (FSP) assesses children across the whole Foundation Stage curriculum. It is a "spurious and ultimately inaccurate exercise" (National Assessment Authority) to attempt to equate the FSP scale points to National Curriculum sub levels and to use this data to make predictors for attainment in Key Stage 1 assessments
Conference believed that the excessively prescriptive nature of the Numeracy and, in particular, the Literacy curriculum imposed by central Government is primarily a means for delivering national SAT targets. The fact that Literacy and Numeracy lessons often account for as much as 60 per cent of curriculum time is the main factor in denying children a broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum.
Early Years
Conference was increasingly concerned about staffing ratios in the Early Years.
Conference noted that:
(i) The introduction of Government limits of 30 for Reception classes some years ago has undermined our limit of 27 as schools have gradually employed extra, either qualified or unqualified, support staff in these larger classes.
(ii) Many younger children, who might formerly have stayed in a nursery until they were almost 5, are now being admitted to Reception classes early, and there are many variations in admission.
(iii) Although Foundation Stage and Reception classes have come together officially as a distinct phase of education within the Early Years Foundation Stage with the same Government Curriculum Guidance covering both, they may not be subject to the same DfES staffing ratio requirements
(iv) Children’s Centres’ staffing ratios do not require the employment of qualified teachers. Those holding Early Years Professional (EYP) status or a “relevant” level 6 qualification are deemed to be equivalent to qualified teachers for the purposes of staffing ratios.
Conference, therefore, believed that the Union should adopt a common class size policy that applies to both Nursery and Reception. We believe, that in classes where there are four year olds, there should be a limit of one teacher and one qualified nursery nurse to 20 children, whether this is in nursery or reception.
Early Years Education
Conference reasserted its belief that qualified Early Years teachers are essential to the provision of high quality Early Years education and that they create the best possible conditions for children’s learning and for their personal and social development.
Conference welcomed the campaign materials which have been produced by the Union to support divisions, associations and individual members in campaigning against the closure and replacement of nursery schools with Children’s Centres.
Conference believed that the introduction of Early Years Professional Status (EYP) by the Government could lead to an erosion of high quality educational provision in the Early Years.
Conference condemned any attempt to substitute qualified Early Years teachers with EYPs or to equate EYPs with qualified teachers for the purposes of staffing ratios.
Conference was deeply concerned about the Government’s target of educational provision being led by an EYP in all Children’s Centres by 2010. Conference asserts that this will lead to the wholesale removal of qualified teachers from Early Years education and the exploitation of staff not qualified as teachers. Both are unacceptable.
Conference is concerned about CWDC and DfES statements that the pay and conditions for EYPs will be an issue for individual employers.
Conference rejected the use of the EYP as a cheaper substitute for qualified teachers in Children’s Centres and within Early Years education as a whole.
Conference welcomed the Union’s developing links with Unison on Early Years policy work and instructs the Executive to explore ways of securing a joint NUT/Unison position on the role of qualified teachers, Early Years professionals and support staff within Early Years settings.
SEN Provision
Conference noted that the Education and Skills Committee report, and the Government’s response to it, were greatly influenced by the research study commissioned by the Union from the University of Cambridge, The Costs of Inclusion.
Conference welcomed the announcements made by the Government in response to these reports that:
1. All SEN co-ordinators should be qualified teachers and should be members of the senior leadership team;
2. New guidance will be issued to provide information for schools on meeting the need of pupils with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD); and
3. The DfES will encourage local authorities to develop a flexible range of local provision to meet children’s needs, including specially resourced provision in or attached to mainstream schools and special schools
Conference deplored the proposals promoted by the Education and Inspections Act, which will deliver greater autonomy for individual schools, greater diversity among schools, and a weaker role for local authorities.
Conference believed that it is essential that schools are able to work together to ensure that the whole system meets the needs of all children.
Conference further deplored the dire funding situation of local National Health Services, including those that will adversely affect children with SEN and disability, such as cuts to the school nursing services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and mental health services.
Conference welcomed that the General Secretary has offered the full support of the Union to the NHS Together Campaign.
Conference wished to underline the fact that members working with children with SEN and disabilities will be directly affected by NHS cuts in the workplace.
Conference reasserted the right of every child and young person with special needs to be taught by a suitably trained qualified teacher. Conference instructed the Executive therefore to campaign against inadequate provision and funding for pupils with special educational needs which is pressurising schools to substitute classroom assistants and learning support assistants for qualified teachers instead of establishing effective teams of teachers and support staff.
Political Fund
Conference noted:
1. Some major education unions, including NATFHE (now in UCU) and NASUWT, have political funds.
2. Other major unions, such as the PCS, are taking steps to establish such a fund.
3. The NASUWT uses a political fund to actively oppose fascist organisations like the BNP and NF, including urging citizens to refuse to vote for these organisations.
4. The political funds of the other education unions are not used to fund political parties.
Conference therefore instructed the Executive to conduct, before Easter 2008, a ballot to establish a Political Fund in accordance with Appendix VI of the Union’s Rules that can provide resources for the Union actively to campaign at elections against political parties and their candidates who promote racist, fascist and similar views. Material accompanying the ballot should call clearly for a “Yes” vote from members.
War
Conference reaffirmed its opposition to the occupation of Iraq, and noted that the continued presence of foreign troops, rather than bringing peace and democracy, has led to escalating violence and further suffering by the Iraqi people, as well as to the deaths of increasing numbers of soldiers.
Conference endorsed the view expressed by TUC Congress 2006 that ‘those who, in the name of resistance to occupation, target civilian populations, whether in or outside of Iraq, commit criminal acts that do no service to the cause of peace’.
Conference recognised that support for Iraqi teacher trade unionists from the Union will assist in ensuring respect for trade union rights, human rights and democracy
Conference further noted the Government appears intent on ‘updating’ Britain’s nuclear arsenal by replacing Trident. Such a replacement programme for these weapons of mass destruction will cost billions of pounds that would be better spent on education, health and improving pensions for all citizens.
Conference congratulated the Executive for its support for demonstrations and activities organised by the Stop The War Coalition and by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and recognised that it is time for the Union to follow the example of all leading trade unions in this country to affiliate to these organisations.
Conference further instructed the Executive to issue a statement to members, government, media, other unions and the General Council of the TUC that this Union is absolutely opposed to military action or intervention (secret or otherwise) against Iran.
Furthermore, should such military action be taken or openly threatened, Conference instructed the Executive to call on the General Council of the TUC to organise a day of action on a working day as soon as possible, which shall include a National Demonstration and further action should such military action continue in order to compel those responsible to cease their acts of war.
Racism
Conference noted with concern the continuing and increasing hostility in the media and from some politicians, to migrants, including asylum seekers and workers from Eastern Europe, and congratulated the General Secretary of the TUC, for his principled stand on this issue.
Conference further noted the impact of the continuing crisis and war in the Middle East and elsewhere has led to numbers of asylum seekers seeking refuge in this country, some of whom have been subject to racial abuse and attack. Such attacks have frequently been associated with far right parties such as the BNP, who have sought to capitalise upon people’s fears and anxieties. Conference therefore congratulated the Executive for its continued support for Unite Against Fascism, and for its support for activities organised by Love Music Hate Racism
Conference noted that the DfES’ publication of its curriculum review ‘Diversity and Citizenship’ in January 2007 was intended to address this community fear. Whilst we welcomed many of its findings and recommendations, we were disappointed that the major trade unions and anti-racist organisations were not consulted during its development, that insufficient attention is paid to questions of class, and that the specific strategy of anti-racist education was ridiculed.
Conference congratulated those members who have campaigned against the presence of BNP teachers and governors within their schools
Further, Conference noted the crisis over the war in Iraq and elsewhere has been accompanied by a massive rise in Islamophobia, and Muslims in this country and abroad have been scapegoated by politicians and the media. This has been reflected in the level of racist incidents and has led to widespread anger among Muslims, including school students and their parents.
Conference welcomed all children, whether asylum seekers or the children of migrant workers, into our schools, and instructs the Executive to campaign for increased funding to meet their needs. Such funding needs to be sustained and strategically directed, not short-term or delegated to individual school budgets
Memorandum of the Executive – Annual Conference
The Working Party recommended the following:
1. That the agreed timing of Conference 2008 should not be changed.
2. That the timing of future Conferences will only be changed in exceptional circumstances and Conference will continue to be held at a similar time in the year.
3. That Rules 24(a) and 25 should be amended to read as follows
24(a) The Annual Conference shall be held at Easter unless the Executive considers it expedient, for good reason and following consultation with Constituent Associations, to hold Annual Conference at another time, and provided always that no period longer than fifteen months shall elapse between Annual Conferences.
25. Subject to Rule 24a, the Executive shall have the authority to choose the time and place of meeting of Annual Conference for up to at least three years next following the current conference and the list of these times and places shall appear in the Annual Report.
4. That Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Llandudno and London should be considered as possible alternative venues for Conference.
Support for Local Officers and Representatives
Conference noted its resolution of 2003 on Support to Local Officers and Representatives, and the Working Party set up by the Executive in 2004.
Conference recognised the valuable work undertaken by the Working Party, and the steps taken to implement some of the recommendations.
However, Conference also recognised that the Executive and the staff of the Union have to deal with many competing pressures, and there is consequently a danger that the work done by the Working Party may begin to seem a one-off exercise whose time for implementation has passed. Given the vital role of the Union’s lay structure in representing and supporting members and in the campaigning work of the Union, and given the increasing pressures on that structure, Conference instructed the Executive:
(i) To re-establish a Working Party with representatives from each region, to meet regularly to give advice to the Executive on how support can best be given to local officers and representatives
(ii) To examine the Executive Committee structure to make sure that there is the opportunity for regular and coherent consideration of the issues facing local associations and divisions of the Union.
(iii) To support requests from school groups for a ballot for sustained industrial action in order to protect a school representative or local officer whom they consider has been victimised.
With grateful thanks to Robert Wilkinson, Executive member for District 18, for this comprehensive report on the Harrogate Conference.
Tony Mulgrew April 16th 2007
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