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As a former teacher in an inner-London primary teacher - 23 years – and NUT rep for 22 of those, I really feel for all staff being forced to work in intolerable and dangerous conditions by politicians, who have granted themselves more recess time because of safety concerns. 1/5
In those 23 years I can honestly say that I only encountered teachers who had the care and welfare of the children they taught as their No.1 priority. As a retired teacher I am proud to still represent my local union branch as International Soilidarity Officer. 2/5
A global perspective is useful: I have visited several countries where teachers are valued+treated with higher esteem by their governments than in this country. All school staff here, children+their families are put at risk by a government that puts the "economy" over safety. 3/5
My union, the NEU, has battled for the staff they represent and put forward very clear proposals at every stage of the pandemic. They have been let down not only by the Gov't but by the "opposition." who, from early on were prioritising getting pupils back in unsafe schools. 4/5
Labour's failures on schools means they share responsibility for the rapid spread of the virus especially in this 2nd wave. That is tragic and has to change now. It is time for them to do what Labour should have done all along and stand unequivocally with the teacher unions. 5/5
