Hundreds of schools and further education colleges are being forced to close as teachers across Wales down their tools and strike over pension changes.
More than 3,500 teachers belonging to the teaching union UCAC are are striking on Wednesday in reaction to the government's proposed public sector pension plans. The union was one of many to ballot their members and reported an overwhelming majority of 89 per cent voted in favour of a walkout.
The coalition is proposing changes to the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), which would see the retirement age for teachers eventually rise to 68.
Elaine Edwards, UCAC’s General Secretary called the proposals “totally unnecessary, absolutely unfair" and "a complete lack of respect to educators".
She accused the government of failing to understand the nature of the teaching profession.
“The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is sustainable. That isn’t the problem. The problem is the enormous deficit created by the bankers – but the government won’t own up to that.”
“For teachers, taking strike action doesn’t come easily; we’re all too aware of the effect on pupils and their parents. But we’re concerned that this attack on pensions will have a negative impact on educational standards by making teaching a less attractive profession – and we know that that’s a matter of concern for parents too.”
Despite the Welsh Assembly being granted more powers after the devolution referendum in March this year, Westminster still dictate teachers' pay and conditions.
Addressing Conservative party conference in Manchester last Monday, chancellor George Osborne called the impending strikes "irresponsible".
A spokesperson from the DfE told the Huffington Post UK the government was "totally committed" to working with the unions.
“It is extremely disappointing that a small number of teachers from the UCAC union are planning to lose a day’s pay and go on strike while serious talks are still ongoing", they added.
"The Government is committed to this dialogue in order to agree a way forward. However, the unions also need to commit to genuine engagement and make constructive proposals.”