Teachers must fight on to stop Gove


Martin Powell-Davies, member of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) executive

Education secretary Michael Gove still wants to cut teachers’ pay, pensions and conditions and our children’s education. He is still refusing to hold any meaningful talks.

That is why NUT members are on strike on 26 March. And that is why we have to build on the strike with a programme of further action which will stop Gove in his tracks. 26 March must not be an isolated protest strike – it must provide the basis for a campaign to intensify the action.

In 2011 national strike action on pensions did force some concessions – eg making sure those aged 50 + can retire at 60 on their full pension.

However, winning any further serious concessions on pensions, performance pay and workload will require further serious action.

26 March must be a starting point for more strike action next term.


Gove’s attacks, which Labour has made clear they will continue, makes it even more urgent to elect a fighting leadership for the NUT with a clear programme of how to defend teachers’ pay and conditions and education itself. Martin is standing for election as NUT general secretary. The election starts in June.

Voting papers are also being distributed now for the Inner London district seat on the NUT executive which Martin currently occupies.

Socialist Party members Jane Nellist, Phil Clarke and Peter Glover are also standing for seats on the executive.

  • For election material and more on the strike see Martin’s blog on: electmartin1.blogspot.com