Why I am Leaving ATL

As you all know I no longer blog - unless something really makes my blood boil which it hasn't for a long time. However the decision by ATL to join the strike action on 30th June has really wound me up. I did vote in the ballot and I did vote No but sadly I was outnumbered.

Anyway I have today cancelled my membership of ATL and I thought I'd publish the letter I sent here so as to explain my reasons clearly.

"Dear Sir / Madam,

Membership No: --------
Branch: --------

I am writing as I wish to terminate my membership of your union with immediate effect.

I joined ATL as it had a strong 127 year history of not striking. I feel industrial action should always be a last resort - used only when people's civil liberties are under attack or, especially in the case of education, where you are unable to perform your job correctly.

That ATL has decided to strike over an issue of personal finance, one which will affect every person not only in this country but the world around, is utterly gobsmackingly shocking to me. For 127 years you have chosen not to strike over classroom conditions, equal pay for men and women, teaching and learning standards and the impositions of the national curriculum. I cannot believe that the straw that broke the camel's back comes down to the fact that teacher's pensions - which were already far sweeter than anything the rest of workers on equivalent wages receive - are being reduced in a time of economic crisis.

This strike is pure selfishness. It will not change the governments mind. It will affect teaching and learning. It will cause parents to have to spend money on childcare or lose a days pay taking the day off work.

Globally the world is facing the problem of an ageing population. Retirement ages will have to rise, pension plans are not sustainable, changes need to be made. This is not an argument you can or should win.

You have decided to break with your tradition which was the only reason I chose to join you and in my opinion you have chosen to do so over the most petty of issues that has faced the teaching profession in the last 127 years. As such please terminate my membership with immediate effect. I shall be joining The Voice - who have an actual written policy of not striking so I trust them to stick to their word.

Yours faithfully,

Caroline Hunt"