Striking or not?

Keats wrote about a ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ . Well it isn’t autumn but it is the season of conferences and for the teaching unions that means a cry to arms – well at least a call to strike.
I’ve never gone on strike although I have been unable to go work because others were on strike and my place of work was closed. Since joining the teaching profession, I have known of several ‘battles’ with the authorities that have led to striking or working to rule. As a Headteacher, I had to manage a couple of occasions when staff were on strike and make the decision whether to keep the school open or not.
The present situation will divide the profession I’m sure.as it often does so when I heard that strike action was being called for I was very sad for all concerned particularly the children. I picked up a thread on twitter (apologies for not including everyone) which showed some of the thoughts out there but also generated some alternatives promoted by David Mitchell.

Teachers = creative people. What alternative action could we come up with to striking & deepening publicity wounds? #alternative2strike — David Mitchell (@DeputyMitchell) March 30, 2013

Working to rule was brought up but it was pointed out that there has been little publicity given to the present work to rule that has been going on since October. Has it had any effect? Is there any evidence?

@neilverdin wasn’t doubting that for a minute. I’m frustrated at lack of impact and the negative impact on our profession from the public

— David Mitchell (@DeputyMitchell) March 30, 2013

 

@andyuk71 @deputymitchell action should be disruptive to government not general public – we need their support! — Jon H (@Mr_Haines) March 30, 2013

Then parents came into the thread with concerns about getting them onside rather than anti the profession

@rfbooth @deputymitchell others strike & retain supp bcoz essentially it does not impact on lives as dramatically. Have 2 a day off work etc — Mas Hussain (@ecclesrec) March 30, 2013

 

@neilverdin wasn’t doubting that for a minute. I’m frustrated at lack of impact and the negative impact on our profession from the public — David Mitchell (@DeputyMitchell) March 30, 2013

Then suggestions of what could be done instead of striking:

@deputymitchell could use the day to teach the way we feel is right, free from OFSTED pressure constraints. — Jan Pringle (@greyengine) March 30, 2013

@bellaale @deputymitchell a data boycott…and I mean no KS2 or us only sending census info into centre when we have a difference in numbers — VictorM (@philallman1) March 30, 2013

@deputymitchellI agree. Let’s ‘teach’ the parents on strike days instead to show them how hard we work everyday? #alternative2strike

@deputymitchell a strike in term time is what Mr G wants, makes you all look lefty. Try the first day of holidays & ask parents to join you? — StephenM (@justsavings) March 30, 2013

#alternative2strike Flip it, do an extra day. One national Saturday School to show how GREAT we are! What’s your idea? — David Mitchell (@DeputyMitchell) March 30, 2013

What would your views be on that one then? Doing an extra day and getting parents in (those that would come of course)
Whatever happens though, for the majority of those teachers who will be striking

@deputymitchell Labelling a Bunsen burner is easy – striking is not an easy option. — Andy Hewitt (@andyuk71) March 30, 2013

Do leave your thoughts below and perhaps there will be some great ideas shared.