A Sheffield demonstration on 14 July, called by the NUT and NASUWT, saw over 500 people attend. The demonstration was twinned with a similar protest in Oxfordshire as the two unions were targeting the parliamentary seats of Lib Dem deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and Tory prime minister David Cameron.
The demonstration was to defend education, public services and jobs, and is a positive example of both major teacher unions’ recent commitment to work together.
The NASUWT and NUT have balloted members to take action in the autumn term over pay and working conditions.
Following the initial rally, which saw a number of local teachers and trade unionists speak, there was a march to the city centre.
The main rally saw more speakers, including NUT general secretary Christine Blower.
Afterwards a meeting of around 20 was held by the National Shop Stewards Network, where I spoke alongside trade unionists from Remploy and the recent recycling workers dispute in Sheffield.
