Teachers strike in Jersey more likely after talks fail

by GD on Mon 25 Jan 2010, 4:20 pm

Jersey teachers have asked the States for a 2.1% pay rise

A teachers strike in Jersey is "inevitable" if the States does not change its mind over a pay freeze, a union representative has said.
Three unions representing teachers in the island had a mediation meeting with the States last week.
Andy Wooley, from the National Union of Teachers, said no progress was made and the wage talks broke down.
He said they did not want to strike, but it would "probably be inevitable if there is no movement from the States".
The States of Jersey agreed a non-negotiable wage freeze for public sector employees in 2009.

We do feel that we have to demonstrate the strength of feeling

Andy Wooley, NUT

Teachers have asked for a 2.1% pay rise on wages since last June and the restoration of negotiation rights.
The government refused that request and instead offered a 2% increase from January 2010.
Mr Wooley said the States offer was "unacceptable" because it meant a lower pay rise in the long term.
Representatives from the three teachers organisations will now meet in London to decide their next step.
Indicative ballots from each union showed that Jersey teachers were in favour of industrial action over the pay dispute.
Mr Wooley told BBC Jersey: "Clearly we would want to avoid any disruption to public examinations... but we do feel that we have to demonstrate the strength of feeling."