Teachers Vote to Support Strike

Members of the NASUWT union have voted to support strike action.

Results have not yet been formally publicised but have been shared by Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover.

In a post from the union’s island secretary Geraldine O’Neil that said 92% of those who voted were in favour of action short of a strike, while 82% were in favour of strike action.

Mrs O’Neill said: ‘Well done everyone who got their ballot back and had their voice heard! This re-ballot is now under Manx Trade Union legislation and we will not have to ballot agin until this dispute is solved to the satisfaction of us, the members.’

We don’t yet have turnout figures for the vote.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said: ‘NASUWT members have reaffirmed their determination to take action to demand a better deal for all teachers in the Isle of Man. The DESC is mistaken if they think teachers are prepared to accept a substantially below-inflation pay offer while they have seen the value of their pay fall by around 30% in real terms since 2010. 

‘We remain ready to find a resolution to this dispute through a negotiated settlement with the DESC. However, unless significant progress is forthcoming from the DESC, there is a real risk of further escalation of industrial action, including strike action. The responsibility for disruption in schools rests with the DESC. It is within their power to deliver the fair pay and working conditions that teachers need and deserve.’