Jersey teachers may strike over States pay offer

A Jersey teachers' union has said strike action is possible after its members were forced to take a pay offer from the States.

Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst said the latest States worker pay deal was final.

The offer was a 1% rise in the next two years and a 1% lump sum payment.

The National Union of Teachers said its members have "categorically refused to accept the pay deal".

Speaking in the States, Senator Ian Gorst said the bargaining process had been exhausted with no room for debate.

No alternative

He said this left no practical alternative other than to bring in the final pay offer for eligible public sector workers.

"The economic conditions facing Jersey mean we cannot offer a higher pay award if we are to meet the priorities agreed by members - creating jobs, maintaining employment and investing in health and social services," he said.

Andy Woolley, from the National Union of Teachers, said its members were now in dispute with the States.

He said: "Our rejection of it is also adamant and we will have to see what steps we take next. We have balloted our members to see if they are willing to take strike action and they say they are."

Teachers, in line with other public service workers, want a 4% increase in line with inflation.