Rejecting the 6.5% Proposal: A Call to NEU Members to Vote No

Workplace and trade union NEU members – Vote No! Reject 6.5%!

Fight on for inflation-proof pay rises

The National Executive of the Education Union (NEU) has recently voted to recommend acceptance of the government’s latest pay offer of 6.5%. However, there are factions within the union, particularly the five Socialist Party members on the executive, who are campaigning for a rejection of this offer and urging members to vote against it.

6.5% is still a pay cut! Nothing for 2022

Critics argue that a 6.5% pay increase is not sufficient, especially in light of the current inflation rate. The Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation stands at 11.3%, which means that a 6.5% pay rise effectively translates to a pay cut of 5%. Even the government’s preferred Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation measure is above this figure, standing at 8.7%. This issue is compounded by the fact that there has been no pay increase for NEU members in the previous year (2022).

Is the government’s offer truly the biggest pay rise in the public sector?

While the NEU leadership argues that a 6.5% pay increase is significant, critics point out that the government has accepted higher pay review recommendations in other sectors. Police and prison officers have been offered a 7% increase, while junior doctors are being offered 6%. However, it is worth noting that these higher pay increases were only granted after significant pressure was placed on the government.

Reject and fight for more!

Members who oppose the 6.5% pay offer are encouraged to vote against it and join those who advocate for a more assertive approach within the NEU. There is a call for a bold and escalating fight in the upcoming months, with the aim of achieving higher pay rises for NEU members. The argument here is that other sectors are still actively fighting for better pay, and the NEU should align itself with these movements.

The fight for democracy within the NEU

It is evident that there is a divide within the NEU, with different factions advocating for different courses of action. This raises important questions about democracy within the union. Should every member’s voice be considered, or is it more appropriate for allocated representatives to make decisions on behalf of the entire union?

A philosophical discussion on workers’ rights and fair compensation

This debate also touches on broader issues surrounding workers’ rights and fair compensation. How should we determine what is considered a fair pay increase? Is it enough to compare it to inflation rates, or should we also take into account the economic climate, the government’s financial position, and the demands of other sectors? Furthermore, what role should union actions, such as strikes and protests, play in achieving fair wages for workers?

Conclusion

The NEU faces a pivotal moment in deciding the fate of their members‘ pay increases. The offer of a 6.5% pay rise has sparked controversy and highlighted divisions within the union. Members who reject this offer argue for a more forceful and ambitious approach to secure higher pay rises. This debate not only encompasses immediate concerns about pay, but it also raises deeper philosophical questions about workers’ rights and the role of democratic decision-making within trade unions.