Mandy Hudson

I am seeking re-election to the equality seat representing disabled members on the executive because I would like to be able to continue to work alongside disabled members in all regions and areas of union life. Our voice must be heard in order to develop the future direction of the union both internally and externally as we face a government hostile to the trade union movement, disabled people and fully inclusive, comprehensive education.
Over the last four years I have been integral in seeking to embed the social model of disability within all aspects of the NUT’s training, campaigning and organizing through my work in the education, equality, health and safety structures of the union. I have also been instrumental in the successful development of the NUT Benevolent Fund and the appointment of a senior organizer specifically for disabled members.
I have written and proposed motions to numerous NUT and TUC conferences. My motion about organising against stress was particularly well received at NUT annual conference in 2015.
As the EAL Co-ordinator in my school I share the day to day challenges of all teachers in terms of stressful workload, the demands of performance management and Ofsted. As a disabled teacher I experience daily discrimination from attitudinal barriers manifested in the form of lack of reasonable adjustments, cuts in social care and an increasingly unequal society. Whatever our particular impairments we have the same aims and aspirations. We must unite, resist and fight for fairer treatment for all. This means I will continue to use my vote on the executive to try to ensure that the interests of disabled members are promoted and protected through strike action if necessary.

Thank you for your vote.