Catherwood LibraryILR School

At their annual conference in Liverpool today the British National Union of Teachers (NUT) voted unanimously in favor of an emergency measure that authorizes collective action, including strikes, in concert with the Trades Union Congress and other public-sector unions if the government cuts benefits or freezes wages. The measure has sparked fears in the government of an industry-wide strike like that of the 1970s. Government workers earlier this year said that cuts would have to be made, and have sworn to implement a pay freeze for those making over 18,000 pounds in the public sector. Union spokespersons say that pay freezes and benefit cuts will leave them unable to hire the talent they need and will negatively affect the education system. A Public and Commercial Services Union official agreed, saying the union would stand united with the teachers.