—Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), addressing delegates at the NEU conference in Harrogate. He opened the conference with a very hard-hitting condemnation of the Labour government’s education funding priorities. He characterized the government’s decision to cut school funding as “indefensible for a Labour government – a Labour government.” His comments couldn’t have come at a better time. For months now, tensions have been running high between the four teaching unions and the government—in particular over increased pay for teachers.
Kebede expressed his discontent with the proposed 2.8% pay rise for teachers in England, asserting that it falls short of expectations. He stated that after “14 years of Conservative austerity, we expect better from a Labour government.” And the members of the NEU are threatening to strike against the pay recommendation that was just released. Kebede has said they’ll go to a formal ballot on strike action if the government’s offer is still “unacceptable” or there is no extra money given.
In a direct challenge to the government, Kebede warned that the NEU intends to “make Labour MPs pay a high political price” if they do not secure a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise for teachers. He emphasized their commitment to campaigning in Labour constituencies and affirmed, “No teacher wants to strike, but we stand ready.”
Speaking the day after her appointment, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson moved to calm surging discontent within teaching unions. She repeatedly insisted that any move in the direction of strikes would be “unjustifiable.” She urged the NEU to prioritize the needs of students amidst ongoing fiscal challenges, saying, “Following a 5.5% pay award in a hugely challenging fiscal context, I would urge NEU to put children first.”
Tensions were running high as Kebede began. He was willing to take on Nigel Farage—the head of rival Reform UK—in public spats. Kebede further dismissed Farage’s take on education as clueless and baseless, saying Farage “knows nothing about education.” Farage has since pledged to attack teaching unions if his party wins power in the next general election.
Kebede confirmed the NEU’s hardline resistance to anything short of enough funding and fair pay for teachers as the solution. He pointed out that should these changes not be implemented, the union is willing to strike. He blasted the federal government’s intervention as a double-crossing of teachers and students national.
