NUT conference resolutions against bullying

The debate on bullying at NUT conference was very good, Annette Pryce made a brilliant speech moving the main motion and outlining (you only have four minutes for these speeches) the issue of bullying.

Everyone will also remember John Illingworth talking about the effects of stress and very bravely talking about his own mental illness. To confess weakness before a mass audience takes "a real man".

I was also privileged to meet Eileen and Natara Hunter. Eileen and her daughter Natara were both sacked for standing up to bullying but they have lost nothing of the fighting spirit. In seven years Eileen had built the NUT membership from five to forty three, as well as encouraging the support staff to become unionised.

For acting as a rep and speaking out at both school union group meetings and at last year's NUT conference, she was charged with jeopardising the future of her school and undermining its management. If this is grounds to lose your job then it is a threat which could be made to many active reps and conference delegates.

We need more reps like her, not fewer.