The two sides of the teachers’ pensions row
As hundreds of thousands of workers, including teachers, go on strike, Channel 4 News speaks to parents who are for and against the walkout.
Schools, airports, job centres, tax offices and courts in England and Wales are affected as workers from four unions walk out in an ongoing dispute about pensions.
Unions estimate that around 750,000 public sector workers are on strike.
Picket lines are being mounted by members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), the University and College Union, and the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS).
Maritime and Coastguard Agency staff belonging to the PCS union are also on strike.
Mark Serwotka, leader of the PCS, said it was the most important strike in his union’s history, adding: “Everything we have ever worked for is under attack.”
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Hundreds of thousands of children are staying at home as schools are forced to close for the day.
The decision to strike has split opinion among parents across the country.
Alex Ayers, a father of two from London, told Channel 4 News teachers should be banned from striking.
“We’ve all got these challenges and, quite frankly, the Government can’t afford these pensions anymore.
“I don’t think the public or the private sector is immune from this… We’re all going to have to work longer and pay more into our pensions. That’s life, unfortunately. Why should teachers be immune and the rest of us have to suffer?” he said.
He sympathised with teachers but thought they should make their point another way: “I think the message that the teachers are giving to the pupils is completely wrong.
“If the kids don’t believe in the policies the schools are giving out, do they have an opportunity to go on strike? It’s completely wrong.”
James Savage, who has two daughters, lives in Saffron Walden in Essex. He works in the charity sector and his wife is teacher.
Mr Savage told Channel 4 News he fully supports the strikes, even if it means he has to take time off work.
He said: “As a parent I think we need to stand by teachers in their struggle for adequate remuneration in order that they feel adequately valued and motivated in order to do the work they do.
Mr Savage dismissed claims that the walkout by teachers could affect children’s educations.
“If you think about it, severe weather disruption takes more days out of the year than striking, and we manage to cope with that,” he said.
He criticised Government statements condemning the strikes as irresponsible, saying: “I think it’s slightly emotional blackmail and has no place in serious negotiations going on, so I think they should avoid stating things like that.”
He added: “It’s in our interests – and my youngest, who’s yet to start school – that we ensure that the education system and the people who work in it are as valued as they can be.
“If that means there’s going to be a little bit more disruption over the autumn and winter, then I’m prepared to support the teachers by putting up with that disruption in order that they can defend their rights.”