Union tension mounts as teachers vote on final pay offer

Thursday 25 February 2016

One of Jersey’s main teaching unions is asking its members whether they will accept a pay offer which it has already described as "derisory." The National Union of Teachers say they have been offered the equivalent of a 1% increase over 2015 and 2016, which equates to a pay freeze last year, and a small increase this year.

The ballot paper asks for the teachers' opinion on the pay offer, and also their views on what to do if it's not accepted - a choice which includes potential strike action.

If the Union’s members vote in favour of a strike, it marks a significant ramping up in the tension between the States and Unions over efforts to reduce the cost of the public sector to try and fill part of the £145 million deficit in the Island’s finances, which may emerge by 2019, unless action is taken. 

NUT Jersey President, Robert Ward said: "Effectively we are being offered a pay cut at a time when we are struggling to recruit, and teacher training is at an all-time low. It doesn't bode well for Jersey education. We need the States Employment Board to show that they value teachers and education. 

"I don't believe anyone wants to strike, but there is a wider issue here in terms of making sure that the best teachers are in front of our students. We need to think long-term."

Mr Ward said that his members had acted very reasonably, and tried to negotiate, but this was the last deal available from the States, a point which was echoed by a spokesman from the Chief Minister's Department:

“The States has made its final pay offer, which reflects the challenging financial circumstances we are facing.”