The National Union of Teachers is balloting its members for a one-day strike over an increase in London allowance. If successful, it will be the second such strike in the capital this year.
The ballot will take place in October, with strike action provisionally schedule for November 14.
The union is demanding a substantial increase in London allowances for teachers in inner, outer and the fringe areas of London. They now receive allowances of £3,105, £2,043 and £792 respectively. This compares with £6,111 for Metropolitan police officers. In the counties immediately bordering London, police officers receive £2,000.
The NUT is calling for an increase in inner London allowance to £6,000.
In an earlier ballot, which resulted in a one-day strike in March, almost 86% of teachers voted in favour of industrial action. This second ballot is expected to return a similar figure.
Doug McAvoy, NUT General Secretary, said: "The number of pupils in London is expected to rise over the coming years yet we do not have sufficient teachers for existing pupils.
"The Government's submission to the School Teachers' Review Body ignores the problem of schools in the fringe areas and dismisses the problems of schools in outer London. It acknowledges but plays down the problems in inner London and suggests that even there, there should be no overall increase in the present allowance. It claims such an overall increase would carry substantial deadweight cost".
"That attitude has incensed NUT members and increased demands for action in support of significant increases in the three allowances with the allowance in inner London rising to no less than £6,000.
"The language and approach of the Government will be conveyed to our members and will help to ensure a massive response and overwhelming support for a further one day strike."
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers is consulting its school representatives to gauge their reaction to a possible strike. If the response is favourable, the union is likely to join the NUT.
· Further education colleges and support staff in universities are striking over pay on November 5.
