BY ANNABEL AND LAURIE

Miss Olivia’s interview:

Why do you strike?

We are striking because the government has made some decisions about teaching and the budget. The pay rises that teachers have been given are below the inflation rate, so we basically just got a pay cut. The reason for striking is because all the money we are supposed to get from these pay rises are from the school’s own budget, so money will come out of things that should come to you. For example, supplies or support staff. Children’s education will suffer.

What happened?

We marched from Oxford Circus to Downing Street. They expected about 12,000 people, they got 40,000. They were teachers from all over London. There were speakers, we were singing, people brought musical instruments. It was my first strike. It was a happy, supportive atmosphere. People in cars and bus drivers were beeping in support. We said, “It’s time to use our outside voices.”

Will it do something? What will it achieve?

I think striking is the last resort for people who have done everything to try and be listened to. If we look back at history, striking has a very good track record of working. I don’t think it will work quickly but I do think it will work. 

The atmosphere was one of the most amazing things. It was quite emotional to see all those people there for one cause and so many people who care about your education. 

What was the hardest part? 

Letting the children down. I work in Year 2. It was hard trying to explain why we chose not to be there. 

Miss Sara’s interview:

Why do  you strike?

We are being given a pay rise which does not match the cost of living crisis. The pay rise goes out of the school budget – so that means there is not enough money for additional staff like lovely Miss Donna. Time to take action now.

What happens at the strike?

The strike that happened in February, we started off the day by getting our signs ready. We met in central London and had a snack. Then we walked to where the march started and we waited for about an hour, until the march finally started.

What do you chant?

We sang, “Solidarity forever” We also chanted, “No ifs no buts no education cuts” While we were singing, some teachers and people who supported the teachers’ strikes brought their own instruments like guitars. But mostly the music was us stamping  and bashing against our signs .

We marched down to Downing Street where there were soldiers with guns! After that, transport leaders made powerful, emotional speeches.

Do you think that striking will do something?

I hope so. We need the government to start cooperating.

Do you think it’s good to strike?

Absolutely. If you have strong beliefs, you should show them.

How was the atmosphere?

It was the most positive, uplifting atmosphere.

Why do teachers strike on different days?

Different teachers are part of different unions. Like Ms. Jo is part of the headteacher union.

Miss Sarah’s interview

Why do you strike?

The government has raised our wages and hasn’t given the school any money. Now the school has less money to spend on learning and the children. 

What happens at the strike? 

We went to central London for a big march. There were 40,000 people marching which was awesome. We made our own placards and signs. Miss Sara was interviewed by two different global news teams. One came from Australia and one was from a French channel. 

What do you chant? 

We chanted, “No ifs, no buts, no education cuts.” And sang, “Solidarity forever.”

Do you think the strike will do something? 

Yes, strikes are the reason that we have weekends, holidays and good working conditions. I feel confident that this will work out. 

Do you think it’s good to strike? 

I think it’s sad that it’s having an impact on children’s learning because I’m a teacher. At the moment, we don’t feel listened to by the government. This is a powerful way of getting their attention. 

How’s the atmosphere? 

It was amazing. I couldn’t believe all those 40,000 people had shown up, even though there was a train strike that day. I felt solidarity with all the other teachers there. 

Is there a specific day to strike?

We don’t choose the days, our union does. However, I think they usually pick the middle of the week to cause maximum disruption.