Teachers vote to postpone strikes after storm disruption

Thursday 09 November 2023

A teaching union has responded to the recent disruption to education by cancelling three days of strike action planned for next week as “a gesture of goodwill”.

The National Education Union has confirmed that, while it remains in dispute with the Government over pay, members have voted to postpone strikes planned for 14-16 November following last week’s storm, which closed all schools for two days.

The NEU's senior regional officer Caryn Symons said: "It is the right thing to do to acknowledge the affect of Storm Ciarán at this time on the island – however this will be a postponement, as a gesture of goodwill, and not a withdrawal of action.”

Ms Symons said teachers still faced major difficulties caused by the cost of living and the Government declining to offer a pay rise that matched the rate of inflation.

The current offer from the States Employment Board is for a pay rise of 7.9%, effective from January of this year.

In a statement, the NEU stated: "We remain committed to trying to resolve the dispute on pay for 2023 and we continue to be available to discuss pay for both 2023 and proposals for 2024 – we remain focused on getting the best deal possible for our teachers in Jersey."

NEU members have already staged three days of strike action so far this term.