Teacher strikes to start after failed pay talks

Jersey teachers will strike across five days before the end of 2023

Jersey teachers are set to walk out on strike for five days after pay talks broke down.

The National Education Union (NEU) said negotiations failed with the States Employment Board (SEB) over a 7.9% pay rise during a "long running dispute".

The SEB said the NEU had rejected its offer of taking the dispute to an independent arbitrator.

The NEU confirmed strikes would take place on 17 and 18 October, and on 14, 15 and 16 November.

Caryn Symons, NEU senior regional officer, said "our teachers deserve better".

"Our members share with us frequently their concerns around the cost of living in Jersey and the struggles of paying the bills and making ends meet," she said.

"Our members are committed, highly trained professionals, who believe in Jersey and the education for the children living on the island.

"It is hugely disappointing that the SEB do not share our same values and commitment.”

'Fair and reasonable offer'

The SEB said the NEU had "effectively closed the door to the resolution of the dispute in 2023", and that talks for 2024 and a potential multi-year pay settlement would begin this month.

Constable Andy Jehan from the SEB said he was disappointed at the decision.

He said: "We were prepared to put our case to an independent person through ‘binding arbitration’ and be bound by their determination, having put forward a fair and reasonable offer.

“I know there are many teachers who want to just get on with the job without disruption, and I am equally sorry that continued industrial action impacts them as well.”

The NEU said all 33 States schools, both primary and secondary, would be affected.