TEACHERS are likely to be represented by a new union of half a million members after two of the three main unions voted to ballot their members on a merger plan.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) held special conferences in London on Saturday to debate the proposals, which were overwhelmingly carried.
The proposed new organisation will be called the National Education Union and will likely be the TUC’s fourth-largest affiliate.
With 12,000 fewer teachers since 2010 and dwindling resources, Scotland’s schools desperately need investment to support diverse learners rather than empty promises from politicians, writes ANDREA BRADLEY
Robinson successfully defended his school from closure, fought for the unification of the teaching unions, mentored future trade union leaders and transformed teaching at the Marx Memorial Library, writes JOHN FOSTER
With 170,000 children living in poverty in north-east England and teachers leaving in droves over 20 per cent real-terms pay cuts since 2010, all while private companies siphon off billions, it is time to unite and fight for education, writes MATT WRACK


