Internal Strife Hits Major Teaching Union Amid Bullying Allegations
A prominent teaching union, which has been vocal in planning nationwide strike action for the upcoming year, is now grappling with a walkout by its own employees. The National Education Union (NEU) experienced a strike today involving 20 of its staff members, with further industrial action anticipated for tomorrow.
Representatives for the striking workers have indicated that the alleged bullying within the union’s management has been severe enough to compel several individuals to relocate from the London regional office. They also stated that an assurance from NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede regarding an external review of the situation has yet to be fulfilled. It is important to note that Mr. Kebede is not implicated in these allegations.
Echoes of Past Criticisms
This situation draws parallels to recent criticism faced by the British Medical Association in April, which was accused of hypocrisy when its own staff went on strike over pay, mirroring the industrial action of its members for the same reason. The current dispute is proving equally embarrassing for the NEU, a significant left-leaning organization known for its advocacy on behalf of workers’ rights.
Earlier this year, the NEU announced plans for extensive nationwide strikes following the Christmas break, contingent on the government not improving its pay offer of 6.5 percent over three years. At the time, Mr. Kebede expressed his intention to mobilize additional workers and asserted that “the arc of moral justice is on our side.”
Union Accused of Poor Employment Practices
Unite, the union representing the aggrieved NEU staff, has stated that the NEU itself has engaged in questionable employment practices. Zimeon Jones, a regional officer for Unite, commented, “We made it clear to senior management that we would call off our strike if they gave us the report. We even said that if they promised to give us the report imminently, then we would cancel this week’s action.”
Jones continued, “However, no positive response was received to our proposal. Staff, including several who have been forced out of the London region by management bullying, gave evidence and it deserves to be acted on so that bullying can never occur again in the London region. However, nothing can happen until the investigation report is shared with Unite.”
Investigation Report Delayed
Unite confirmed that Mr. Kebede had agreed to an “external investigation” last year concerning “staff concerns about management bullying” and that the union would receive a copy of the findings. According to Unite, this investigation was conducted at the beginning of 2026, with the subsequent report submitted to senior leadership in April. “However, almost six weeks after receiving the investigation report, it still hasn’t been shared,” the union stated.
A spokesperson for Unite indicated that no “convincing reason” had been provided for the delay, and that staff felt they had “little choice” but to strike due to “procrastination.”
NEU Responds to Allegations
An NEU spokesman stated that the union had offered to engage in talks with Unite last month, with the condition that strikes be suspended, but that the offer was not met with a response. The union asserts that the report is still in draft form and that it would be “inappropriate” to release it before its completion.
The spokesman added, “The purpose of the independent investigation is to establish the facts objectively and without interference. Unite’s attempts to obtain and comment on draft findings before that process is complete risks undermining the independence and integrity of the investigation. If the final report identifies matters requiring further action, we will address them appropriately as an employer.”
