NUT and ATL a step closer to forming ‘super union’

The National Union of Teacher’s (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) have moved a step closer to forming a ‘super union’ after conferences endorsed the merger.

Delegates at special conferences held on 5 November by both unions endorsed the rules of a new union, which would be called the National Education Union.

Members of both unions will now be able to make the final decision, with ballots expected to be held in the spring term.

The NUT has long pursued the policy of trade union unity fir all teachers, as it believes that all teachers in all schools should be united as one.

If the merger is to go ahead the new union would have almost half a million members, which the NUT argues will enable it to be a more powerful force in education, as well as more economical to run.

Kevin Courtney, NUT general secretary, said: “This is an historic day for teacher trade unionism. We have advocated professional unity for many years, and this is a big step towards realising our goal of a strong unified profession and a powerful union which would be a significant force for teachers, education and the trade union movement.”