The NEU teaching union has been accused of “salami-slicing” pay and conditions by a union representing its staff ahead of a 24-hour strike tomorrow.

Up to 200 NEU ATL section employees will walk out at sites across the UK over changes resulting from a restructuring exercise.

Unite, one of two unions representing ATL staff, says that the dispute relates to a “controversial consultation exercise” by NEU management that would see changes to contracts, downgrading of posts and cuts to pay and conditions.

The changes follow the amalgamation of the NUT and the ATL last September to form the biggest education union in the UK.

Numerous attempts to slow down the management’s consultation exercise and requests for more detailed information by the staff unions at the NEU were ignored, said Unite.

Unite national officer Siobhan Endean said members “don’t take industrial action lightly”. “We call on the NEU management to engage in meaningful talks, and reach a fair and equitable agreement,” she said.

More strikes ‘on the cards’

“We can’t tolerate this insidious salami-slicing of pay, and terms and conditions. More industrial action is on the cards if the management digs in its heels.”

Unite ATL branch secretary Lisa Crivello said: “Our loyal and hardworking staff have devoted a substantial amount of their working lives fighting for the interests of the members they represent.
 
“Yet we fear the proposed new structures will mean a reduced service for members as staff are being downsized at a time when the membership is growing and the education sector is in crisis.” 

Unite ATL members will strike for 24 hours from just after midnight tonight, after an 88 per cent vote for strike action on the issue of staff restructuring. The result was the same as a separate ballot by the GMB, which also represents ATL staff. 

The ballot covers discontinuous action until the end of the year.

The NEU faces both sections of its workforce going out on strike. Tes revealed this week that NUT section staff are considering following their ATL colleagues on a walkout over restructuring plans.