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Teachers could strike over pay dispute

Teachers could strike over pay dispute

Thursday 19 January 2023

Teachers could strike over pay dispute

Thursday 19 January 2023


The ongoing pay dispute between teaching staff and the States could lead to industrial action if the Industrial Dispute Officer can't resolve the matter.

A spokesperson for the NASUWT the Teachers' Union said that "the ball is very much in the States court".

Wayne Bates, National Negotiating Official, told Express: 

"The current situation is that the States refused to discuss pay with NCTLG through the Industrial Disputes Officer process, so we are currently consulting with members over possible next steps, which could include some form of industrial action.

"We very much hope this can be averted, but the ball is very much in the States’ court."

Deputy David Mahoney

Pictured: Deputy David Mahoney is responsible for the States pay negotiations with public sector workers.

The NCTLG is the Negotiating Committee for Teachers and Lecturers in Guernsey. 

It works together as a collective body when bargaining for pay. The NCTLG is the recognised body, not individual unions, and it is the NCTLG that has rejected the pay offer from the States following consultation with its members.

That pay offer was made last year.

The Policy and Resources Committee - as the employing body for teachers in Guernsey - offered staff a 5% raise for 2022 plus £500 across all pay grades, then an inflationary increase in 2023, and inflation minus 1% in 2024.

NASUWT members were balloted in September and 16% said they were "happy" with the offer, while 71% said they were "angry" or "really angry".

At the time the union said it wanted to renegotiate with the States, or it would go to the Industrial Disputes Officer. That has now happened.

strike negotiation

Pictured: The Industrial Disputes Officer will have to intervene in the dispute between teachers and the States.

In response to the warning of strike action, a spokesperson for the States said:

"The States of Guernsey has been clear from the outset with all employee groups that the offer that has been made, and accepted by most pay groups, is the best possible offer.  

"We are aware that at least one teaching union has voted to accept the offer but as the NCTLG decided to lodge a formal dispute the matter rests with the Industrial Disputes Officer (IDO) and will follow the formal process as set out in law.  

"Officers have been in dialogue with the IDO and we continue to hope that this matter can be resolved shortly." 

Mr Bates doesn't think the matter will be resolved without industrial action.

"We attempted to engage with the States on the matter of pay through the IDO, and they refused to enter negotiations on pay. NCTLG is very disappointed by the stance of the States, as there is little hope this matter can be resolved shortly without negotiation." 

Read more...

Teachers "seriously considered" quitting

Teachers' union: “Failure to commence negotiations in good time is unacceptable"

States want staff vote on pay deal

Line drawn under pay negotiations

Pay rise "not accepted"

 

 

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