We’ll owe a debt to strikers

Published: 30 June, 2011

• I WAS surprised to hear education secretary Michael Gove warning teachers not to strike this week as it would “undermine their reputation” when it’s clear that this government already holds teachers and other public sector workers in contempt by attacking their conditions so comprehensively.

Mr Gove’s proposals will see teachers paying substantially more for pretty modest pensions while reducing their value and extending retirement age to 68. 

Mr Gove did not seem particularly concerned for our children’s education when they had a day off for the royal wedding so why the sudden concern over a one-day strike?

It is regrettable that teachers are being put in a position by this government where they have to strike to defend their profession but, unlike Ed Miliband for instance, I am not going to condemn someone for standing up for the public good. If we value our public services we need to show that we value those who work in those services.

If this government gets their way then the public services that we all rely on will be fundamentally transformed for the worse. 

If strike action is a necessary part of protecting the education system then we all owe those strikers a vote of thanks.

JIM JEPPS
Camden Green Party