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.