Industrial Action: Is there a Biblical response?

Should Christian teachers join in with the proposed strike action?

I am too young to remember the last ‘winter of discontent’.  In fact, I wasn’t even born when there was last such widespread industrial action taken by private, and later public sector trade unions.  In September 1979, almost 12 million working days were lost through strikes. And though this winter’s action is no way near as monumental, we’ve certainly seen the public sector join forces to send a powerful message to the government about rates of pay and working conditions.

December saw the largest walkout of nursing staff since the foundation of the NHS. They joined workers in the rail industry, Ambulance service, highways workers, border force staff, royal mail workers and civil servants in what is the largest wave of industrial action in my living memory.

And teaching- one of the most unionised professions in the UK- is likely to follow suit. Already in Scotland schools have faced disruption through strike action with more to follow in January. And in a preliminary ballot conducted by the NEU in October, 86% members said that they would be willing to take strike action in England to demand a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise, as part of a future formal ballot.

It's easy as Christian organisations to be wary of discussing politics- particularly the issues that don’t have as clear a Biblical mandate as topics such as marriage, gender identity or abortion. It also seems to many that political engagement on either side of the spectrum is inherently defiled, ultimately leading to compromise on one matter or the other, or allegiance to a ‘tribe’ over our loyalty to Christ.

At ACT, we are keen not to be party political. But as Christians we should be interested in what’s going on with our government, with the disadvantaged, and how money is spent. And it would be a mistake for Christians to completely isolate themselves from discussions of such a realm.

So can Christians in Education have a truly Biblical perspective on industrial action? And how can they make the decision to strike (or not) in a way that truly honours God?

What are the issues?

We would be rather naïve if we didn’t admit that there were potentially some thorny issues impacting staff-especially teachers- in the world of education. So what are they, and why are the unions suggesting that ‘now is the time’ to take more decisive action?

Pay

This is the big one. The central issue is salary. Below inflation pay rises have been cited as a major reason for unions balloting members for industrial action. Real term cuts to pay are what concerns the main unions such as the NEU, the NASUWT and the TUC. They have demanded that the government protect pay against current inflation and to restore its real terms value. Kevin Courtney of the National Education Union (NEU), said that teachers had been among the worst- affected by a “lost decade” of pay growth since 2010.

Funding

Though the government have committed to increase pay in line with the recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB), there has been no new funding allocated to cover the increase. Unions say that within the existing funding settlement the increases can be covered, but there won’t be much money left over for everything else schools need to do. They are calling for those pay rises to be fully funded by Government.

Recruitment and retention

 Teacher retention rates leave little to be desired, with leaving rates highest among those in their early careers. According to data from the National Education Union, 44% of teachers plan to leave the profession by 2027. Combined with a substantial problem with teacher recruitment it undoubtedly raises concerns for the sector. The Department for Education figures show targets for recruiting teachers into Initial Teacher Training (ITT), particularly for subjects such as Maths, have not been met for several years.

Unions take the view that teacher shortage is mostly due to the below inflation salary, long hours, and high stress associated with teaching, with pay being seen as a key lever with which to try and tackle this issue.

It is important to note that strikes and other forms of industrial action are protected under the law in the UK, and teachers have the right to engage in these activities as a means of advocating for their rights and the rights of their students. However, although the Bible has a lot to say about how believers should approach their work and their relationships with their employers, there’s nothing explicit in scripture that either promotes or condemns industrial action, or speaks into the particular quandary of whether to strike. The difference that being a Christian makes to deciding whether or not to strike is significant- or at least should be. But it isn’t an easy decision: it’s a bit of a paradox!

Submission to authority

Christians are called to respect and submit to earthly authorities, government and employers alike. Christian teachers should of course work hard and serve their students and employers faithfully. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." This verse teaches that Christians should work hard and serve with excellence, not just because they want to please their boss, or are paid fairly but because they are ultimately serving God.

Christians are called to follow God's will and to seek justice and fairness.

The trade union movement has played a significant role in advocating for the rights and fair treatment of workers, many of whom historically were operating in dire conditions and barely making ends meet: a cause that is surely consistent with Biblical teaching. Scriptures that speak about justice and righteousness, and that call on believers to work for justice and to care for the poor and marginalized are plentiful in both the Old and New testament. Isaiah 1:17 says "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

I would hesitate to say that teachers and other staff in Education are facing unjust oppression by the government, though I know that many are facing very real hardship in the current economic context. But is it befitting for a believer to use coercion to ‘get their own way’ in employment? And should the Christian teacher’s concern for the marginalised only extend to their colleagues struggling to make ends meet, or do the students missing yet more days of learning also deserve grace and compassion?

So perhaps the focus should be on how the decision is made rather than whether it is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ to strike.

I would suggest that that the Christian conscience needs to take into account three considerations:

1.       What is the desired outcome of the action?

Sometimes we do things that seem selfless but behind them may lie our own sinful motives and desires. We have to remember that our responsibility lies with helping others, not ourselves, and this is something that is made very clear in God's word. Are we genuinely concerned for the welfare of those that are struggling financially or do we want a more comfortable life for ourselves? Are we concerned with God’s justice, or do we feel pressure to conform to the beliefs and values of the groups to which we belong- whichever side of the argument they fall? Sometimes this may mean standing alone and facing difficult challenges, but it is important to remember that God is always with us and will never forsake us.

2.       Will the proposed action cause harm to vulnerable persons?

If we are to be consistent with the Biblical imperative to love our neighbour and care for the vulnerable, we must consider carefully who our actions could harm.

We all know the damage that COVID school closures over months caused. Isolated days of strike action won’t paralyse the Education system or mean that pupils suffer much more than they have already done. But as a teacher, to intentionally interrupt the educational process and cause disruptions to the school schedule is a different matter. We all know that every missed school day can lead to students falling behind in their studies and potentially experiencing academic difficulties, not to mention the stress and uncertainty that can negatively affect mental health and well-being.

We must, however, carefully consider the potential consequences of all actions- including non-action. Striking as a last resort to seek justice and to improve the educational experience for their students in the long run could be defensible if the cause of the vulnerable is truly a motivation. It is important to consider whether our actions reflect a heart of love and service towards others and a commitment to caring for God's creation.

3.       Will the action impede my Christian witness?

It is important for Christians to remember that the world watches their behaviour. Whatever decisions are made over industrial action, to seek justice and to be peacemakers in the midst of disputes and conflicts is paramount. When talking through the issues in the staffroom, an attitude of faithful and thoughtful service towards employer and devotion to pupils will speak louder than the actual conclusion. Respect and honouring all involved, striving for peace and reconciliation in all of our relationships, including in the workplace surely fits the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:9 that, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Those who choose not to strike would perhaps submit that humility, submission, and enduring wrongs are important virtues to cultivate as followers of Jesus. First century believers often faced persecution and mistreatment for their faith but remained committed to spreading the message of the Gospel. And Christ himself exemplified humility perfectly, most evidently in his willingness to humble himself and submit to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross.

The Bible teaches that Christians should seek to put the needs of others before their own and to love and serve one another. When all sides in a conflict or dispute are willing to follow these principles and seek the welfare of others, it can lead to long-term resolution and reconciliation. But it’s clear that we don’t operate in a context where all parties are seeking to serve and consider the needs of others. There is, unfortunately too much selfish ambition and vain conceit on both sides of the fence.

Having considered some Biblical principles, it’s pretty clear to conclude that there is no easy ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer to this conundrum. What is clear though, is the need to pray for the discernment and guidance of the Holy Spirit to inform our individual consciences. We must recognise that this is an issue where we as Christian teachers will disagree and come to different conclusions about. Let’s show humility and view it as an opportunity to show grace to one another.

I pray for all those thinking through decisions on industrial action and ask that God will give you much wisdom as you seek to honour Him. Whatever you choose to do this spring term, may you humbly seek God’s ways as you go about it.

Lizzie Harewood, ACT’s Executive Officer