Solidarity's Shadow

The article analyzes the recent escalation and subsequent direction of the National Education Union's (NEU) strike action in the UK. It argues that the NEU leadership, while staging a large-scale demonstration, is simultaneously preparing to betray its members and agree to a below-inflation pay deal. The author criticizes the union's strategy, highlighting what they perceive as a deliberate effort to contain and ultimately demobilize the rank-and-file teachers who are pushing for a significant improvement in pay and working conditions. The piece suggests that the NEU leadership is working in conjunction with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and the government to orchestrate a settlement that will ultimately benefit the employers rather than the teachers. The author expresses concern that the union is presenting a facade of strength and solidarity while secretly negotiating terms that will fail to address the underlying issues driving the strike. This includes an analysis that these actions are a continuation of a long history of the NEU's betraying its members for meager advances. The author characterizes the union leadership as being primarily concerned with maintaining their positions rather than fighting for the interests of their members. The final implication is that further strike action is needed, with more teachers calling on the NEU to actually take their concerns seriously. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/11/qpyx-m11.html