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This informative leaflet explains the benefits of joining a union for newly qualified teachers in Suffolk. Unions provide critical support, advocate for better working conditions, and negotiate salaries. They offer valuable services including legal assistance, professional development, and training tailored to educational needs. Membership helps safeguard against unfair treatment and ensures you understand your rights, benefits, and entitlements. Don’t navigate the challenges of teaching alone—discover how joining the union can empower and protect you throughout your career.
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Why join a union? Eastern region NUT Suffolk Division September 2005
Because unions: Provide information (Suffolk NQT leaflet) Support members in difficulty Work for healthier & safer workplaces Negotiate on behalf of members Work for better training Provide members with valuable services Campaign for teachers and education Why pay good money to join a union?
But what can go wrong? • Contract – fixed-term? PPA + 10% • Pay – correct starting pay • Unfair treatment – lack of support / not getting your entitlement to InSeT, etc • Complaints from parents or pupils • Disciplinary action • Legal responsibilities – taking trips, etc
Or you can just seek advice • What about maternity / paternity leave? • What can you request for personal leave? • You are ill, what sick pay do you get? • What time off are you entitled to for interview? • What courses are available? • Just how much do I have to plan / write for reports?
Teacher unions campaign • To influence Government nationally & locally • for better salaries & conditions • against Government plans to worsen teachers pension rights • Part of a world TU movement – Amnesty International • Charitable work – MakePovertyHistory / Send my friend to school.
Why join a union when there’s the GTC ? • General Teaching Council’s (GTC) functions are different from a teacher union • The majority of GTC members aren’t teachers • The GTC regulates whether teachers should continue to teach & advises Government on professional matters • Unions represent members salary, conditions & other issues • Unions belong to the members who determine policy • You belong to a union, you register with the GTC
Other Union ServicesUnions may offer • Financial (insurance, mortgages, credit cards, loans etc) • Legal help • Professional & personal training
Other Union Services; legalUnions may offer • qualified caseworkers & solicitors. The NUT Regional Office give expert advice on professional & other matters, including employment law • The NUT work with Thomson Solicitors to give members non work related legal services • The NUT employ specialist local lawyers where teachers face Police interview or criminal charges
Other Union Services; trainingUnions may offer • professional development focused on teaching & learning • local training to meet teacher needs
Some current issues for teacher unions Workforce remodelling has resulted in differences between the teacher unions about • Who teaches whole classes? qualified teachers or teaching assistants / cover supervisors? • Replacing Management allowances with Teaching & Learning responsibilities & the impact on teachers & pupils • Protecting teaching assistants from exploitation
For further information - see the NUT website www.teachers.org.uk - and the Suffolk NUT website: www.suffolknut.org.uk or contact the Regional NUT office 01638 555300 or Suffolk NUT 01284 763980 Membership Hotline: 0845 300 1669 KEB 14.09.2005 MJG 18.09.2005
. Guidance for Newly Qualified Teachers Congratulations and welcome to Suffolk! Your first year in teaching will be hard work, but it should be a happy, positive experience. Suffolk LEA supports you but things can go less smoothly than hoped. This leaflet explains what you should expect and what to do if you experience any difficulty: if in doubt, contact the NUT! Published by Suffolk NUT 1 Gainsborough Road BURY ST EDMUNDS IP33 3RX Tel/FAX: 01284 763980 secretary@suffolknut.org.uk < Back