56 Education and the economic crisis

Submitted by National Union of Teachers

Congress notes that the global recession has had a major impact on the lives of working people, students and the retired through job loss, increasing unemployment and threats to pensions.

Congress notes the £billions of taxpayers’ money given to the banks, without evidence of loans to businesses, in contrast to the constant pressure on public service budgets.

Congress notes the one million young people out of work. Every young person leaving education must have the right to a job or high quality education or training.

Congress congratulates the TUC on the 28 March 2009 mobilisation and the statement, ‘Put People First’. Congress endorses the People’s Charter as a step towards the development of further demands and campaigns. Congress agrees to call together affiliates involved in education to develop an Education Charter, encompassing policies from Early Years to Adult Learning, couched in terms of rights and with costed proposals.

Congress calls on affiliates to co-ordinate campaigns in defence of jobs and services in health, education, housing and the post. The TUC should promote and promulgate demands on progressive tax policies, public works, pay levels, pensions, public spending, the ending of wasteful privatisation and the return of trade union rights.

Prior to the general election, Congress agrees that the General Council should organise, or assist in the preparation and co-ordination of, a major publicity campaign, public meetings and a national demonstration, and, as appropriate, calls for industrial action, with the theme of ‘no to unemployment, no cuts in pay, pensions or public services’