All quiet on the western front - ATL (link here)

As we approach half term many members will be hard at it over next week catching up with what has gone on before and then getting things ready for the final big push in June. The feedback we are getting so far is that this exam period seems to be even tougher than before. Is that just down to the combination of additional pressures from functional skills, controlled assessment, added diploma courses moving toward the end of their two year cycle and not forgetting the modular format for GCSEs or is partly to do with the insecurity of some exam office staff facing re-grading, restructuring and even the possibility of redundancy as cut backs begin to bite. 

 

There has been an increase in phone calls and emails about job security and some feel that despite the growing pressures and having to face a salary freeze or even cuts, the reaction seems to be, 'grin and bear it' or loose your job.  In certain areas of the country were the job market is poor many exam office staff have no where else to go, so its even more important to get centres to secure support mechanisms for members which counter many peoples feelings of  growing isolation. So if centres are finding it tough to meet your membership fee why not use one of the EOA Free trials promoted on the EOA website to help get you through the next few months until things begin to settle down.

 

While both teaching and teaching unions consider industrial action this summer what seems to be emerging is that the summer exams will not be affected and members can at least avoid that issue. The EOA is still affiliated to the ATL (link here) with half of the membership being members of the ATL. The other half, are mainly members of Unison with smaller numbers attached to Unite and GMB. The ATL is broadly a union focusing on the teaching community but does promote itself as the ‘Education Union’ which tries to embrace all parts of the education community, including non-teaching support staff such as exam office staff. At a local level the ATL will help and support you in your centre and see you, as the link article illustrates, playing a very important role in supporting the education community.

  

In today’s environment many people suddenly feel very exposed and insecure but often wait until it’s too late to utilize the services of the EOA or unions to help address their personal needs. The problem is, many members are presently swamped by exams and have no time to look after their own interests. That will change once the summer exams cycle is over and centres begin to gear up for next year. Both members and non-members do need to review their situation and seek support as soon as possible.