The NEU is calling on the government to mandate the incorporation of the National Conditions of Service for Teachers in England and Wales 2023 (known as the Burgundy Book) into the contracts of employment of all teachers in academies.
The Burgundy Book, already mandatorily incorporated into the contracts of teachers in local authority schools, covers conditions of service for teachers including minimum entitlements to occupational sick pay and maternity pay.
Commenting on the passing of motion 17 at Annual Conference in Harrogate, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"It is a sorry state of affairs when we see the basic rights of teachers on workload and pay being undermined by some academy trusts.
"The government’s proposal contained in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools’ Bill to require academy schools to adhere to the minimum pay levels set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) is a step in the right direction.
"The Bill, however, is silent on the Burgundy Book.
"If not amended it leaves the door open for unscrupulous academy trusts to worsen sick and maternity pay for teachers, diverting funds to pay for the bloated salaries of academy CEOs. This at a time when the sector is plagued by a teacher recruitment and retention crisis driven by unfair pay and conditions.
"To ensure equitable treatment in pay and conditions of service the NEU will continue campaigning for a national contract for all teachers, regardless of which type of state-funded school they work in."