Unwell

The teachers' dispute is escalating. Early this morning teachers at most Government schools were called by their Union representatives and told to call in sick. As a result, the schools were forced to close for the day.

While I sympathise with the Union's complaints and aims, mass sick-outs are the wrong way to achieve them. They're unlawful and require teachers to lie to their principals. While the more militant teachers may have no problem with this, it presents the rest with an unpleasant dilemma: lie to your Head or turn up for work and risk persecution by the teachers who stayed away. It's a wildcat strike in all but name.

In contrast, the work-to-rule action was legitimate because the teachers were acting within their rights. Striking would also be a legitimate form of protest, provided the Union gives the Government the required 21 days notice.

It's not hard to see why the teachers are feigning illness rather than going on strike. When they call in sick, they still get paid. When they strike, they do not. But by attempting to have their cake and eat it too, the teachers risk losing public sympathy. If they want to make life difficult for the Government by withdrawing their labour, fair enough. But the decision to strike shouldn't be taken lightly and teachers shouldn't expect to be paid while doing it. If they want to retain the moral high ground they need to be prepared to shoulder some of the hardship they're currently inflicting on the children and parents. Any less is cowardly.