A TEACHING union whose members went on strike this week as part of a long-running pay dispute has criticised the government for bringing ‘nothing to the table’ for recent talks.
The National Education Union joined the NASUWT and National Association of Headteachers in talks with the States Employment Board on Thursday.
The meeting followed the one-day strike by NEU members on Wednesday, when more than 90% of Jersey’s schools were closed for the day.
Although the discussions were described as ‘informative and constructive’ by Constable Andy Jehan, vice-chair of the SEB, an NEU official gave a less positive reaction.
Senior regional officer Nick Childs said: ‘It is disappointing that the SEB has come to the table with nothing to offer on pay.
‘If the government are serious about resolving this dispute and addressing the crisis in teacher recruitment and retention, then they need to start valuing the Island’s teachers and start to genuinely negotiate.’
Mr Childs said that if the government was not prepared to make an improved pay offer, there was a prospect of further strikes during the autumn term.
In a government statement, also issued yesterday, Mr Jehan said: ‘The SEB met with the trade unions for teachers and school leaders yesterday, in a scheduled meeting – it was an informative and constructive discussion.
‘To allow discussions to continue in that vein we will not be providing further comment at this time.’
Teachers have requested a 15.4% pay rise to reflect the current rate of inflation and what they say has been a series of real-terms pay cuts over the past 15 years. The SEB has stuck to a 7.9% offer, the same figure accepted by other public servants, saying that no further money is available.
In addition to this week’s strike by NEU members, action short of a strike is currently being taken by members of the NASUWT and NAHT.
