Standing for the National Executive

Lewisham NUT passed the folllowing motion at its General Meeting tonight:

Lewisham NUT
1) Welcomes the fact that three Associations (Lewisham, Hackney and Greenwich) have nominated Martin Powell-Davies to stand in the election for the two Inner London seats on the National Executive this March.
2) Backs Martin's decision to stand in the election should Kevin Courtney be elected as NUT Deputy General Secretary

This is Martin's election statement:

TOUGH ...
As a teacher and trade unionist, I know how:
• Workload and bullying keep getting worse.
• OFSTED and endless initiatives demoralise dedicated teachers.
• Academies and Trusts are spreading across London, even to primary schools.

... GETTING TOUGHER ...
After the General Election, we know pay, jobs and pensions are in danger – meaning more:
• Debt for young teachers.
• Pressure to meet targets – or else!
• Divided communities and disaffected pupils.
• Privatisation, threatening the very future of Local Authorities.

... UNLESS WE ACT!

VOTE POWELL-DAVIES 1 FOR DETERMINED LEADERSHIP FOR LONDON TEACHERS
Every candidate can list similar grievances – but who will best provide determined leadership? My campaigning record shows I can give teachers confidence to stand firm together. Lewisham NUT’s membership has doubled since I became its Secretary.
... and clear strategy? I believe the present Executive’s strategy is failing. Individuals and school groups are left to struggle in isolation. National problems need national action.

VOTE POWELL-DAVIES 1 TO CUT WORKLOAD THROUGH NATIONAL ACTION
The last two NUT Annual Conferences have supported my call for national action over excessive workload. We don’t want any more empty promises about ‘work/life balance’. We need to win legally binding limits on overall working hours, class contact time and class sizes.

VOTE POWELL-DAVIES 1 - UNITE TO DEFEND PAY, JOBS AND PENSIONS
Why should our pay, pensions and public services be sacrificed to pay for a crisis caused by the ‘banksters’ greed? We must organise with parents and other unions to oppose cuts and privatisation, including:
• Building joint meetings and demonstrations
• Backing anti-cuts candidates for MPs and councillors
Above all, united action can make Governments think again. Let’s prepare for it! I would visit London teachers to discuss the best combination of public campaigning, working-to-rule and strike ballots - then ensure we turn words into action!