Teachers vote for education super union
Teachers have voted to merge two unions to form a new super union for education workers.
Members of the National Union of Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers backed the link-up by more than two to one.
The National Education Union will be formed later in the year, representing 450,000 teachers and other education workers across the UK including more than 21,000 in Wales.
It will be the biggest union in Europe for teachers and education professionals and the fourth biggest union in the UK.
NUT Cymru Secretary, David Evans, said: “We have always worked well in Wales with ATL Cymru and today’s ballot result cements a relationship that will only get stronger as we move forward together as the National Education Union.
“This is fantastic news for NUT and ATL members in Wales who will receive even greater support, advice, training and guidance as a result of this vote. This new union will significantly be the largest education union in Wales and we look forward to working with the Welsh Government and other stakeholders in education here to ensure that our members voice is heard loud and clear on the issues that affect them in the workplace.”
Rachel Curley, Acting Director of ATL Cymru, said: “The creation of the NEU is great news for education staff across Wales, including support staff and leaders, in our schools and colleges. We will build on the close working relationship between ATL Cymru and NUT Cymru to provide first class support and advice for our members as well as high quality training and CPD. NEU will work hard to reflect our members’ concerns to Welsh government and other key policy makers.”
Mary Bousted, general secretary of the ATL, said it was an “historic” moment.