MEMBERS of one of Jersey’s largest teaching unions have been considering plans for further industrial action, which is “likely” to include multiple strike days.
NEU senior regional officer Nick Childs said that there had been “no progress” in the ongoing pay dispute with the States Employment Board since a major protest was held in the Royal Square last month.
The rally saw members of both the NEU and head teachers’ union the NAHT confront Assistant Chief Minister Andy Jehan, the vice-chair of the SEB – after last-minute talks failed to avoid strike action.
Mr Childs said that there had been “no new offer and no progress in discussions” since the protest and that members had met “to discuss escalation, which is likely to include multiple strike days”.
NAHT Jersey president and JCG head teacher Carl Howarth also said the dispute remained “unresolved”.
“We are considering our options to escalate industrial action,” he added.
One of the main unions, the NASUWT, did not take part in the recent strike after reaching an agreement with the SEB in which its members would receive a back-dated 7.9% award – while remaining “in dispute” and continuing with action short of a strike.
It also said that it received “a firm commitment to negotiate a multi-year deal to address pay issues”.
Mr Jehan said: “I would really like them [the unions] to come to arbitration, where an independent third party can look at both sides.”
Treasury Minister Ian Gorst said he thought 7.9% was a “fair offer”, adding: “It was a fair offer to all States employees. It’s fair to teachers; it’s fair to other employees, because they’ve largely accepted it.”
He continued: “I think it’s actually reasonable for taxpayers as well – they are the ones who are providing the funding.
“So, I agree with the States Employment Board that the next step should be to go to arbitration.
“All sorts of things have been said about arbitration, but my experience is that arbitration is fair. They look at the numbers, and they come to a reasoned conclusion.”
Jersey’s Chamber of Commerce has also called for an end to the dispute, which it has warned is having a “detrimental impact” on local businesses and the wider economy.
Chamber president Adam Budworth said: “With negotiations between teachers and the government at a stalemate, the call for independent arbitration may well be a crucial avenue for reaching a resolution.
“An impartial third party could play a pivotal role in mediating the contentious issues and delivering an outcome that everyone can move on from. I am surprised that all parties involved are not already asking for this.”
