Menu
31/01/2017
NI's Largest Teachers Union Takes Strike Action
Northern Ireland's largest teachers' union, the NASUWT, are to stage industrial action today, 31 January, at schools in L'Derry, Strabane, Mid Ulster, Fermanagh and Omagh.
It is the second stage of a rolling programme of strike action across NI which began on 30 November, 2016, with a day of strike action from teachers in Belfast and Newtownabbey.
Thousands of teachers are expected to take part in the action in an ongoing dispute over what they describe as a "derisory pay offer from the Minister of Education of 0% for the 2015/2016 academic year".
The union said that teachers are also angered about the Minister and the Employer's failure to "tackle seriously the year-on-year pay cuts, excessive workload and widespread job insecurity teachers are facing".
Speaking ahead of the strike action, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: "It is with deep regret that we have been forced to continue with our rolling programme of strike action, but this is entirely the responsibility of the Minister for Education who has refused to accept that his attacks on teachers' pay are damaging the sustainability and morale of the teaching profession.
"The Minister has been given the money to pay the minimum 1% award to teachers for 2015/16, instead teachers are being asked to bear the brunt of the failure by the Executive to properly ring-fence education from budget cuts.
"Teachers deserve pay and working conditions which enable them to provide the world-class education service that our children and young people are entitled to."
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, added: "No teacher takes strike action lightly and we regret the disruption the action will have on pupils and parents.
"Despite our attempts to resolve this dispute through negotiation, the attitude of the Minister has left us with no other option than to continue our programme of strike action.
"Teachers are angry, frustrated and determined to send a loud and clear message that says value us and the children we teach."
As part of the day of action, teachers will gather at a rally at St Columb's Hall, in L'Derry at 11am. Elected representatives from the NASUWT will also be attending.
(MH/CD)
It is the second stage of a rolling programme of strike action across NI which began on 30 November, 2016, with a day of strike action from teachers in Belfast and Newtownabbey.
Thousands of teachers are expected to take part in the action in an ongoing dispute over what they describe as a "derisory pay offer from the Minister of Education of 0% for the 2015/2016 academic year".
The union said that teachers are also angered about the Minister and the Employer's failure to "tackle seriously the year-on-year pay cuts, excessive workload and widespread job insecurity teachers are facing".
Speaking ahead of the strike action, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: "It is with deep regret that we have been forced to continue with our rolling programme of strike action, but this is entirely the responsibility of the Minister for Education who has refused to accept that his attacks on teachers' pay are damaging the sustainability and morale of the teaching profession.
"The Minister has been given the money to pay the minimum 1% award to teachers for 2015/16, instead teachers are being asked to bear the brunt of the failure by the Executive to properly ring-fence education from budget cuts.
"Teachers deserve pay and working conditions which enable them to provide the world-class education service that our children and young people are entitled to."
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, added: "No teacher takes strike action lightly and we regret the disruption the action will have on pupils and parents.
"Despite our attempts to resolve this dispute through negotiation, the attitude of the Minister has left us with no other option than to continue our programme of strike action.
"Teachers are angry, frustrated and determined to send a loud and clear message that says value us and the children we teach."
As part of the day of action, teachers will gather at a rally at St Columb's Hall, in L'Derry at 11am. Elected representatives from the NASUWT will also be attending.
(MH/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 April 2023
NI Teachers Announce Strike Action For 26 April
Teachers from five teaching unions across NI have announced that they will take strike action on Wednesday 26 April, over the failure to offer teachers and Further Education lecturers a fair and decent pay award.
NI Teachers Announce Strike Action For 26 April
Teachers from five teaching unions across NI have announced that they will take strike action on Wednesday 26 April, over the failure to offer teachers and Further Education lecturers a fair and decent pay award.
21 September 2011
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week. It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs. That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week. It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs. That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
30 November 2016
Teachers Across Belfast And Newtownabbey Begin Strike Action
Teachers will begin their first day of strike action across Belfast and Newtownabbey today, 30 November. Thousands of teachers, who are members of the NASUWT union, are striking over pay, excessive workloads and job insecurity. Unions rejected a 1% pay increase, with pay rates remaining frozen for 2015-16.
Teachers Across Belfast And Newtownabbey Begin Strike Action
Teachers will begin their first day of strike action across Belfast and Newtownabbey today, 30 November. Thousands of teachers, who are members of the NASUWT union, are striking over pay, excessive workloads and job insecurity. Unions rejected a 1% pay increase, with pay rates remaining frozen for 2015-16.
12 April 2024
Economy Minister Announces Increased Pay Offer For Lecturers
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has announced an increased pay offer further education lecturers, which he described as "vital to providing the skills that grow our economy".
Economy Minister Announces Increased Pay Offer For Lecturers
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has announced an increased pay offer further education lecturers, which he described as "vital to providing the skills that grow our economy".
02 February 2016
NASUWT Rejects Pay Offer
NI's largest teachers' union has rejected a pay offer for teachers and principals. The offer to the NASUWT was made by the management side of the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC). The offer continues the year-on-year cuts to teachers' pay. The NASUWT is calling for an across the board above inflation cost of living award.
NASUWT Rejects Pay Offer
NI's largest teachers' union has rejected a pay offer for teachers and principals. The offer to the NASUWT was made by the management side of the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC). The offer continues the year-on-year cuts to teachers' pay. The NASUWT is calling for an across the board above inflation cost of living award.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most. It will turn mostly dry towards dawn, although a few patches of light rain or drizzle continuing, mainly in the southwest. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
