Strike day dilemma

[phlebasconsidered]

I'm not, despite believing in it, as my class are new to me, and I am new to the school. But of my two kids, one teacher is, the other is not. Would it be bad to arrange a day off for my spouse and get him to do the dentists and so on with them? I know the non-strike child would be skiving off, but I really can't see how i'm going to get one in and not the other, and if one is off, we may as well do both and get the dentists and opticians done. Neither child has had a day off since September.

Is that bad? What are others doing?

Next year i'm brushing down my placards. I feel bad about not going, but as my post is temp, and I am temp and new I feel beholden to stay in.

[midnightmoomoo]

I think that as a parent you have to decide what's ok for you......if you don't send the child whose class is in to school he/she will just be marked absent. Many parents are in the same situation and schools know that if one sibling can't come in, their other siblings may well be kept off too.

I'm in next Weds, and luckily my DH is around to have my youngest two who aren't in school......my eldest however is in year 6 and IS going in , the only year open in the whole school!!! He's not very happy about it......!

[MrsYoungSalvoMontalbano]

When we were in this position dh took the day off and took both DC out for a day. I am surprised that parents don't all do this.

[MirandaWest]

When my DC have been in classes where there are striking teachers it has always happened that one is in and one isn't. So one has been at school and one hasn't.

[ilovesooty]

I think the child of the non striking teachers should be in school.

I'm tempted to offer my opinion of your own strike activity but it's not what you asked...

[MirandaWest]

I don't quite understand why you're not striking tbh. Especially as you say you do believe in it. So in effect one of your DC will be striking and not you?

Have you made the dentist and opticians appointments already? Round here you seem to need to make them about 2 months in advance...

[Littlefish]

I don't understand why you're not striking either...

[knitknack]

It's only the NUT striking though isn't it?

[phlebasconsidered]

I have been out of work child rearing for 6 years. I'm now back, in a temp position until July. I had let my NUT membership lapse, and i've not year paid back in as a supply / temp, because frankly, every penny counts for me at the mo.

I don't appreciate people implying i'm letting people down. I'm the principle breadwinner all of a sudden, i've recently returned after years, and i'm trying my hardest. A day without pay would hurt my family a lot at the mo, particularly as I am the breadwinner on lower pay than normal as a returner.

I'd love to be able to strike, but on a temp contract, as a sole breadwinner for this month, I can't in all conscience do it. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind striking, but my budget is so tight that solidarity falls after bills. I wish it was not so.

It's very easy to judge. I'd love to do it.But my NUT membership, to join to strike this month, is more than I can allow as a sole earner/ returner, on top of my day to day living.

Given a year in a job I'll be happy to argue.

I'm not an idiot, i've read the "Ragged Trousered Philanthropists", I know that I need to put my point across, but I also know that I need to earn a crust and that a supply gig isn't worth losing. So Sue me.

I wasn't looking to be crucified for not striking. I'm happy to be working after having time out. I didn't realise i'd have to justify not striking for one day in a temporary supply contract. I'm a bit sad that i'm getting gyp for it tbh.

[Littlefish]

You didn't say that you weren't in a union at the moment. If you aren't in a union, or more particularly the NUT for the purposes of this strike, then of course there is no need for you to strike.

Having said that, I've read and commented on one of your other threads and know that you've got a particularly tough class at the moment. I realise that your budget is very tight at the moment, but with the way that teaching is at the moment, I think it would be worth trying to afford a union membership.

[phlebasconsidered]

Oh God, I know! I know that if I even consider applying for a perm job i'll need a Union. I need one now, tbh. I'm in a quandry with my toughies. I don't even know if it's worth my applying. I don't even know if it's worth my staying teaching. I don't know one teacher who isn't planning an exit strategy at the mo. Thing is, I love the teaching, hate the job.

I had 6 years out. I've returned to a Logans Run of teaching.

[MirandaWest]

I assumed you were in a union, and more specifically the NUT. If you're not in the NUT then there's no reason why you should be striking.

[Littlefish]

Phleb - I'm a teacher (have been for 16 years) and I absolutely love my job and have no exit strategy. Having said that, my school will have a new Headteacher in September so things might all change....

I suppose what I'm saying is that there are some great schools to work in - you just might need to look around a bit more before accepting a permanent job.

[phlebasconsidered]

I know. I know the Great May Exodus is upon us. I'm a bit jaded, returning to all this! Not that I don't love my (naughty) class. I do love them. In 4 weeks they have spliced my heart and cost me a small fortune in Fanta.

I am struggling returning, let alone returning to SM and naughties. My own children are saying things like "You are shouty now!"

Supply was fine, but long term, i'm not finding the love.....

[ilovesooty]

Oh I see. If you're not currently a union member I see why you aren't striking.

[intheenddotcom]

I'm shocked you are not in a union! Get in now - it will cost you more in the long term if anything goes wrong!