International day of mobilisation – November 20th

Five steps reps and members can take on or around November 20th

1. Raise awareness of the joint statement about November 20th which the NEU is a signatory, calling for investment in public schools and universities rather than increased military spending.
2. Read, share and build awareness of the recently released union report called ‘The Security we choose; the opportunity cost of UK military spending for education and human security’
3. Allow students opportunities to discuss what is happening and concerns they may have about global issues.
4. Hold a members meeting in your workplace at lunch or after school. Discuss what factors are creating a chilling factor in your setting around young people feeling able to raise their views and concerns about their life chances and economic opportunities.    
5. Organise a letter writing session for your members to write to their local MPs asking for increased investment in education and public services, rather than further increases in military spending. 

Context for mobilisation 

Many young people across Europe are concerned about the impact of cuts, austerity and global military action on their lives and futures. 

The NEU is concerned about the impact of increased military spending at the expense of investment in crucial public services, including education. Young people only have one chance at education and education cuts harm life chances. 

NEU members are not taking industrial action on 20 November. Members will be working but many teachers will understand why young people may wish to take part.

Discussion of current social and economic issues do form part of legitimate educational activity where it is conducted in an age-appropriate and balanced manner and in accordance with the institution's policies. Young people must have the opportunity to discuss social and political questions, and develop critical thinking and citizenship skills, through education.

Guidance to members  

Parents and carers are responsible under section 7 of the Education Act 1996 for securing suitable full-time education for children of compulsory school age.

Schools, academy trusts, colleges and local authorities have legal responsibilities in relation to attendance, registration, safeguarding and the monitoring of absence.

Members must follow the attendance and safeguarding policies and follow the attendance procedure in their workplace relating to their employment. Members do not have the ability to encourage unauthorised absence. The NEU is not calling industrial action in connection with the 20 November  mobilisation. 

Heads and principals should follow usual procedures and government guidance in responding to any requests to authorise student absence and ensuring liaison as necessary with parents/carers. 

Responsibility for safeguarding and supervision arrangements rests with the organisers of any events and, where relevant, parents and carers.

Members should take care not to create any expectation that they are responsible for supervising, safeguarding or accompanying pupils or students attending the demonstration unless they have expressly agreed to undertake a defined role as part of appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

Members considering acting as stewards at any events or demonstration who are not working on the 20th should satisfy themselves that the responsibilities of that role are clearly defined.

Further action and advice

Should you need further advice please contact your NEU workplace rep in the first instance. If there is no NEU rep in your workplace, or the peripatetic nature of your employment makes contact with a workplace rep difficult, contact the NEU AdviceLine.