Education
Edge: We’re Committed to Finding Pay Resolution
Members of the NASUWT have voted to support action up to and including going on strike
Education Minister Julie Edge says she and her department ‘remain committed’ to finding a resolution in the ongoing dispute with a teaching union.
Members of the NASUWT have refused a pay offer from the gov and, with talks reaching what looks like a deadlock, its members have mandated to support action up to and including going on strike.
Speaking to Gef, Ms Edge said officers and union negotiators met in the last two weeks to try to find a way through.
Asked whether the issue regarding meeting union demands is due to budgeting, Ms Edge said: ‘We’re committed to providing the best package to our teachers and making sure that it is sustainable going forward.
‘Clearly yes there are budget demands that need to be met, the government has already made a payment over and above what teachers in the UK got last year and we’ve moved onto the London Fringe pay scale, so our government has made that commitment, our teachers still got a pay award last year and the pay is part of this year’s negotiations, which always begin in September this year.’
Union
The last time we heard from the NASUWT, General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach, warned of a further escalation beyond the decision not to cover breaks and lunches, which did lead to Ballakermeen and St Ninian’s having to tell some year groups to stay at home.
He added: ‘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.’
