NEU Teachers Reject Pay Offer

Teachers in the NEU will go ahead with a three day strike next week after rejecting their latest pay offer.

The union balloted its members on a multi-year deal offered by the States Employment Board last week.

It includes a further 8% increase in January 2024, plus a £1,000 one-off payment.

There would be inflation-linked increases in 2025 and 2026 too.

The NEU said it would put the offer to its members, and if they accepted it then next week's planned walkouts would be called off.

But 75% voted to reject the deal.

A 7.9% uplift for 2023, rejected by the teaching unions, was applied in August and backdated to last January. 

The offer also demanded 14 days written notice of any action.

The NEU says the offer represents another real terms cut in pay, and a direct attack on employment rights.

Caryn Symons, Senior Regional Officer said:

“We are concerned about the difficulties our teachers are sharing with us. The significant cost of living in Jersey has a real impact on our members. Our teachers in Jersey are dedicated professionals who provide an excellent education to our young people. However, in order to sustain this and attract education professionals to the island the SEB needs to recognise that the need to provide an offer that remains attractive to those teachers living in Jersey and those considering coming to the island to work.

The current offer simply does not address the real terms pay cut and the issues being experienced in Jersey by the escalating costs of living. Our members continue to struggle with their bills and supporting their families. Increases in mortgage rates are adding large sums to monthly outgoings, rent is challenging and debt is continuing to rise for our members. These are real issues for our members and need to be addressed promptly. It is disappointing that we remain in the position where our teachers are left with no alternative but to show their disapproval of the offer by withdrawing their labour next week.”

The NASUWT suspended its 'action short of strike' last week so its members could consider the offer.

The union told Channel 103 its survey would be open until 15 December, and a decision announced soon after that.

Next week's strikes  - on 12, 13 and 14 December - will be the fourth set off walkouts by teachers this year.

They are expected to force the closure of the majority of the island's schools.

"We are extremely disappointed by the NEU’s decision to reject what we believe was a very good offer. An offer that no other public servant has received, or will be receiving.

As a result, the three days of strike action by NEU members next week will severely impact pupils, parents and our community." - Deputy Elaine Millar, States Employment Board