THE long-running teacher pay dispute has come to an end after the final union accepted an improved offer.
Following a protracted and at times heated stand-off which saw teachers stage multiple strikes and protests last year, the National Education Union accepted an 8% increase for 2024, a one-off payment of £1,500 and rises of 1% above inflation for 2025 and 2026.
The other union, the NASUWT, accepted an offer of an 8% rise, along with a £1,000 one-off payment and a guarantee of inflation-matched rises in 2025 and 2026 at the end of last year.
The NEU has confirmed that 96% of members who took part in the ballot voted to accept the deal. There was a 70% turnout.
Nick Childs, senior regional officer for the NEU, said: “We are pleased that this long running and entirely avoidable dispute has been resolved.
“We welcome the constructive approach from the new government and only regret that such an approach was not taken at an earlier stage by the previous administration when strike action could and should have been avoided.
“Teachers will be pleased that strike action has been called off. This was always a last resort, but members have been clear that previous offers were not acceptable and failed to address long term pay decline and a consequent crisis in recruitment and retention in Jersey.
“We will now move forward and continue to engage with the employer over long-standing and constructive discussions on teachers’ terms and conditions.”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham added: “Settling the teacher’s pay dispute was a high priority for the new government and I hope this resolution reinforces our shared commitment to the success and prosperity of our valued educational community.
“I would like to express thanks to all parties involved for their willingness to engage in further constructive dialogue, which led us to this common ground.
“I very much hope we can now all look forward to a period of stability and opportunity for both teachers and pupils.”
