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The island's schools will once again be affected by industrial action tomorrow, with one union having announced five strike dates, one still carrying out “work-to-rule", and another undecided...
The NEU (National Education Union) announced earlier this week that its members would strike on Tuesday and Wednesday “after talks with the Government broke down”.
It has also scheduled industrial action on 14, 15 and 16 November.
The NEU's senior regional officer Nick Childs said that there had been "no progress" in the ongoing pay dispute with the States Employment Board since a major protest was held in the Royal Square last month.
The rally saw members of both the NEU and head teachers' union the NAHT confront Assistant Chief Minister Andy Jehan, the vice-chair of the SEB – after last-minute talks failed to avoid strike action.
Pictured: Last month's protest saw members of both the NEU and the NAHT confront Assistant Chief Minister Andy Jehan, the vice-chair of the SEB.
According to the NEU's statement, the NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) has also served notice to strike this Wednesday, but will make its final decision later today following an executive meeting.
Meanwhile, the NASUWT will not strike, but is continuing 'work-to-rule' industrial action, which means action short of strike action. This includes not covering classes for absent colleagues or striking members, attending less meeting hours and scaling back workloads.
NASUWT representative Marina Mauger said that "positive" discussions with the SEB were ongoing regarding teacher workloads, and discussions on a multi-year pay deal are due to begin on 2 November when the latest inflation figures have been released.
It is unknown yet which of the 33 Government-funded schools will be affected by strike action, because schools cannot ask their teachers who is striking.
The decision will be made late on Monday as to whether schools will have enough staff to remain open, either fully or partially.
However, individual schools are expected to notify parents.
The Government is drawing together a list of school openings and closures for the strike dates which is currently being updated online.
Speaking to Express, Children's and Education Minister Inna Gardiner said that the strikes were "very difficult".
She explained: "I'm very worried that it does affect children and parents.
"I hoped that the solution would be found and as we know one of the unions is not striking, hopefully not all schools will be closed tomorrow."
All school buses will be running tomorrow, Tue, 17 Oct, and Wed, 18 Oct, unless advised that the school is closed. Please get in touch with your school to find out more.
— LibertyBus (@LibertyBusje) October 16, 2023
Liberty Bus has confirmed that "all school buses will be running tomorrow [...] unless advised that the school is closed".
What's on?
Teachers have organised the following activities on strike days:
Tuesday 17 October: Strikers Family Walk and Picnic – meet at 10:00 at Fregate Café to walk to Les Quennevais Sports Ground.
Wednesday 18 October: Workplace Demonstrations – taking place at 08:15 at Jersey College for Girls, First Tower, La Moye and Victoria College.
A number of local organisations have also announced events to keep kids entertained, so Express has compiled a handy list of all these in one place...
Island Padel is organising a padel day camp on Tuesday and Wednesday for kids aged between five and 14 years.
The camp will take place from 9:00 to 15:00, with the option of an early drop-off at 08:30.
Attendees will have to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, but there will be snacks and drinks available to buy at the Padel Pad.
The price for the day is £50 and bookings can be made via email to: jolien@islandpadel.com.
De Mond Gymnastics Academy is offering a gymnastics club for those in need of childcare on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October.
Children can be signed up for either a morning or a full-day session.
Jodie Lee Performing Arts Academy is once again teaming up with Jersey Academy of Music to offer a one-day camp filled with music, dance and singing.
The camp will take place on Tuesday 17 October from 09:00-16:00 and is open to children from Reception to Year 6.
The Jersey Gaming Hub will be running supervised gaming sessions, suitable for gamers aged 7+.
The sessions will run from 8:00 until 15:00 for £50, with the option to stay until 18:00 for an extra £12.50.
You can book your blocks by emailing info@gaming.je or calling 01534 732323.
Essential Dance will be running a dance camp on all of the October and November strike days.
The camp will take place each day 09:00-15:00, with drop off from 08:30.
All students will need packed lunch and a refillable water bottle.
The dance camps are available to book HERE.
Contact editor@bailiwickexpress.com to share and they can be added to the list.
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