Union pausing industrial action to continue pay negotiations

An Island teaching union is pausing its plans for industrial action over pay and conditions to continue negotiations with the Department of Education, Sport & Culture.

Members of NASUWT remain locked in an ongoing dispute with the DESC over concerns about pay, conditions of service and workloads.

NASUWT General Secretary, Dr Patrick Roach, says: "Whilst NASUWT members remain concerned about pay and workload, they also remain committed to doing everything possible to support pupils’ education during the current pandemic.

"In a ballot of NASUWT members in schools and at the University College Isle of Man, 88% of members voting expressed support for further industrial action over pay, pensions and conditions of service matters, sending a clear message of the continuing concerns and priorities amongst teachers on the island.

"However, NASUWT members have also expressed their commitment to supporting ongoing discussions between the Union and the DESC who are examining a range of issues affecting teachers’ conditions of service."

The union adds it 'won't hesitate' to ballot members for further action if necessary if positive progress isn't made by Island ministers in addressing their concerns.