The National Education Union (NEU) has warned that there will be a general strike if the government fails to end the dispute over pay with teachers.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary-elect, told thousands of striking teachers to “get ready” for a general strike.
He warned, “If this Government doesn’t deliver there will be a general strike in education. Get ready now.
“It’s not going to be easy, and it will get harder, but we will win because we have justice on our side… your action will continue to move this Government.”
Teachers are striking for better pay and proper school funding and Labour MPs John McDonnell and Richard Burgon said, “Labour MPs need to be on every picket line possible.”
Burgon said, “There’s a whole range of wealth taxes on the very super-rich that could easily fund a properly funded school system.
“As a modest proposal, a 1.5% tax on assets above £10 million will raise more than enough that we need to settle these disputes.”
Primary school teacher Aaron Connor told the PA news agency, “Let’s have one hard hit… I’m saying take these five days we’re striking over the course of the year and have them together one after the other.
“To send out a clear message that we’re serious about taking on the Government and serious about having a fully funded education programme.
“We’re not necessarily saying strike more, we’re saying strike clever.”
