Support Haringey NUT branch secretary Julie Davies
A week after impressive co-ordinated strike action trade unionists are calling for people to sign a petition of support (below) after Haringey Council formally suspended NUT Secretary Julie Davies pending an investigation into co-ordinated letters of complaint from a small number of Haringey headteachers and concerns raised over the use of her Twitter account in her own time.
The employers are attempting to use the council’s social media policy against Julie despite the fact that she has been employed as a teacher at Northumberland Park School since 1992, and has been paid throughout under teachers’ pay and conditions. The Council’s social media policy therefore does not apply to her.
There have been tensions between the union and employers for some time – in May teachers were threatening strike action over bullying at Fortismere School in Muswell Hill. It seems that the relationship has now entirely broken down, despite the fact that headteachers have rarely attended the schools employee consultative group.
A joint letter of complaint indicates that secondary headteachers are refusing to work with the union while Julie is in post as NUT Secretary. The letter was signed by Patrick Cozier from Highgate Wood School and Helen Anthony from Fortismere School.
The union rightly says that “This is an attack on the NUT in Haringey and a shameful attempt to deny our right to determine who we wish to represent us… The suspension of our Secretary is an attack on your rights and is clearly aimed at reducing the ability of your Union to represent you.
“We are determined to resist this through collective action and urge you to discuss this with other union members at school.”
Messages of support can be sent to Deputy Secretary of the NUT, Niall O’Connor at: nialloconnor@haringeynut.org.uk
July 22, 2014 - 1:54 pm
This suspension is Goveism at its worst. Stand up for Julie Davies
July 23, 2014 - 10:50 am
I fully agree Roger!How horrible, a few days before term ends too. I’ve signed the petition and would encourage others to do the same.
July 23, 2014 - 11:32 am
Absolutely.
There was a good piece in the Morning Star today by Louise Raw here that’s well worth reading and really draws out some of the issues.
July 25, 2014 - 10:58 am
further developments:
http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/news/teaching_union_threatens_legal_action_after_haringey_suspends_its_rep_1_3696914
July 31, 2014 - 2:29 pm
“The Tottenham Labour Group’s general committee last week passed a motion agreeing to “the core Labour values of trade unionism” and “the right of workers to democratically choose their own representatives”.
Labour councillors voting in favour of the motion were Gideon Bull, Emine Ibrahim, Stuart McNamara, John Bevan and Reg Rice.”
http://www.haringeyindependent.co.uk/news/11376216.Labour_councillors_vote_to_support_suspended_union_rep/?ref=eb