Two teaching unions merge together to create a “stronger voice”
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has voted in favour of joining to form a new union.
The union will be called the National Education Union and will come into existence on 1 September 2017 with over 450,000 members.
They will be representing the majority of teachers and a voice for the education profession, including support staff, lecturers and leaders working in state-funded and independent schools and colleges.
It is set to be the fourth largest trade union in the UK and the biggest union of teachers and education professionals in Europe.
Mary Bousted, General Secretary, ATL said: “This is an historic moment. I am delighted that both ATL and NUT members have voted to come together to form the National Education Union.
“With nearly half a million members, we will speak with a stronger voice on behalf of education professionals and the children, young people and adults they support.
“The Government will need to listen when we speak on the key issues facing education – funding cuts, excessive workloads, the recruitment and retention crisis, the chaotic exam reform, and accountability.”
She added: “The new union will combine ATL’s diversity of members, training and policy expertise with the NUT’s lobbying and effective local activity.
“It will be the largest union in most schools, bringing together everyone in their workplaces - teachers, lecturers, support staff, heads and managers – and empowering them to share their expertise and improve their working lives.”
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