Teachers going on strike ....

[Ann]

Do you agree with their actions?

I don't - it is totally irresponsible when they are dealing with children - their attitude goes against all good parenting - That is, often in life you can't have everything you want - you just have to accept it without a tantrum.

[Prudie]

The point of strikes is that sometimes they have been very effective in causing management or government to back down. The problem with teachers, nurses, emergency services etc is because the majority do feel responsible to the public then they have to accept their lot even when it's unfair and in the main govt can rely on them not to strike.

[bellazella]

Its not only teachers that need to strike, carers should also

[owdhamer]

the gravy train hit the buffers and they dont like it

[joko]

when i was at highschool in the 80s we had loads of strikes - and we loved it!

we got days off and had fun.

claiming a one day strike will hurt the pupils is nonsense.

one of the problems with this type of 'vocational' job - like nurses etc - they get treated unfairly and are just expected to put up with it - 'for the love of the job' ... and many do just like it or lump it but for many it turns a jpb they loved into a job they hate

i know a number of nurses and teachers totally disillusioned by their chosen career... some hate it and some simply leave.

if you want dedication from people you must show respect and fairness

[NOX]

I think teachers need to set a good example and that Ann includes going on strike when they see that there is no other way forward. There is NOTHING wrong in them doing this and using it as a teaching tool, explaining to the kids that when people feel very strongly about something they ought to act upon it. It's called integrity and no child ever went awry from being taught about that.
Non striking teachers are certainly no better than striking ones, they merely have a different opinion. Age ought to have nothing to do with whether someone is a good teacdher or not- we need people for whom teaching is a vocation not just a job they could easily drift into, so I wouldn't care if a teacher were 20 or 70 as long as they did their job with enthusiasm and capability.
All it takes for evil to prevail is for a few good men to do nothing as they say. There is a great deal of evil being committed by this Govt and yet you object when a few good people ARE trying to do something about the fact that if this Govt has it's way only substandard secondrater's will be attracted to teaching because of the lousy pay and conditions. No-one wants that surely?

[chaptazbru]

Yes, strike by all means. This government needs bringing down a peg or two imo.

[wardlaw]

Couldn't agree more Mighty. I taught for 40 years and only once went on strike (mistake). There is no more childlike section of the adult population than those in the teaching profession. Knuckle down and do what you are well paid for. Oh and forget all that " I've got my preparation / marking" nonsense. Less than 30 hours class contact time per week gives plenty of time for admin etc. and still fall short of the normal working week.
I do agree, though, that parents could do much more to send their offspring to school with a positive approach to learning.