The majority of teachers in Northern Ireland are set to start industrial action short of striking after rejecting a pay offer. Last week, a 5.5% pay offer for 2024/25 was offered by the employers.
The Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC), made up of the five main teaching unions, said that after consultation with members they were not in a position to ratify the agreement on the offer. They said members remain committed to engaging in further negotiations in an effort to reach a clear and unrestricted pay award.
Teaching unions had suspended planned action short of strike while negotiations on the pay deal took place, but will they now resume that action from Monday, February 10.
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Jacquie White, UTU General Secretary and Chair of NITC stated: "UTU members raised concerns around the clarity of the offer and have indicated that they are unable to accept at this time. We do, however, remain committed to seeking a way forward which delivers resolution for our members."
Mark McTaggart, INTO Northern Secretary, and Secretary of NITC said: "Members and school leaders have informed us that they were unhappy with the perceived restrictions included in last week’s offer. It is disappointing that ongoing negotiations have failed to find an amicable resolution. INTO remains committed to finding an uplift that is acceptable to our members."
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official and Vice Chair of NITC, said: “Our members have made clear that the offer as presented to them last week was not acceptable. Management Side need to draft a pay offer which will meet the legitimate expectations of teachers, action short of strike action will commence on Monday."
Meanwhile, members of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT NI) have voted to accept the pay offer. Graham Gault, NAHT NI National Secretary said: "While the membership of NAHT voted in favour of accepting the offer, the wider NITC position means that the offer has not been ratified by all unions and will, therefore, not be progressed in its current form.
"The NAHT will, therefore, engage fully with our own membership to consider our next steps while also remaining committed to working collectively with others to secure an offer that can be accepted by all parties."
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