NEU seeks legal advice over Jersey teacher strike ultimatum

A letter asks individual teachers to accept or reject the pay deal - with consequences either way

A union says it is seeking legal advice after ministers issued striking Jersey teachers an ultimatum.

Deputy Elaine Millar wrote to individual teachers outlining an automatic 8% pay rise and strike ban unless the offer was formally rejected.

She said teachers would be assumed to have accepted the deal unless they opt-out by emailing the government.

The National Education Union (NEU) said the government's latest approach was "exceptionally disappointing".

The States Employment Board (SEB) is also offering teachers a one-off payment of £1,000 on top of the 8% pay rise.

The NASUWT accepted the offer, but the NEU refused it as it did not address a "real terms pay cut" and "escalating costs of living".

Speaking to BBC Radio Jersey on Monday, Ms Millar said there was no ultimatum.

Ms Millar said: "We have to manage this very complex situation, where one union, which we believe is the bigger union, has accepted and the other one hasn't.

"Because it would be entirely wrong if the union who accepted the offer was denied implementation because the other union hadn't accepted it.

"So, it's a very complicated and it's a very difficult position, and we're trying to find a reasonable way through it, which allows those who accepted to receive the pay and move forward, and it allows us to then understand the position and work forward with the NEU for their members."

Adrian Moss and Samantha Wharmby, NEU Jersey branch secretaries, told members not to reply to the letter.

"We are exceptionally disappointed by the approach that the SEB have taken in this matter and we will be seeking further advice, on the content of the letter, to see if this is within the legal framework of industrial disputes," they said.

"Whilst we do this, we recommend that you do not reply to the letter."

'Move forwards'

It follows strike action that took place in Jersey over much of last year.

In the letter, Ms Millar thanked teachers for their "continued hard work" and expressed hope that they "find a way to move forwards".

She said the States Employment Board did not wish to "undermine" the collective bargaining process or disrespect either union or the "autonomy of any teacher" who was a member of both or neither.

The government does not hold information about whether teachers are union members, the letter said, so it was writing to all teachers to "ascertain who has accepted the offer" in order for the pay rise to start at the end of February 2024.

Those accepting the deal could not "engage in any industrial action" relating to pay until 2027.

It added: "If you wish to accept the offer, you do not need to take any action and the pay award will be made to you.

"Acceptance of the offer by any teacher confirms that an agreement has been reached, ending the dispute."

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