Members of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union in Northern Ireland have voted overwhelmingly in support of industrial action in a dispute in relation to pay for the 2024-25 Academic year.
 
92.7 % of those returning ballot papers voted in support of strike action, with 99.0% in support of action short of strike action.

Teachers in Northern Ireland have yet to receive a formal pay offer for this academic year while teachers in England and Wales received a 5.5% pay uplift.

Following the result Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said: 
 
“NASUWT members have delivered a resounding message to the Minister of Education Paul Givan by voting for industrial action.  They are adamant that they are not prepared to tolerate a situation where they are the worst paid teachers in the UK and are fully prepared to take either strike action or action short of strike in the new year.

 “This strength of feeling must now be recognised, and the Minister and employers must move decisively to ensure that a suitable offer can be made to teachers. Failure to make an acceptable offer will inevitably lead to robust industrial action.

“Teachers wish to avoid industrial action, but they have been left with no choice.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said: 

“Today’s ballot result drives home the message that teachers have had enough. While there is ongoing constructive engagement with the Department and employers the current position is untenable. “Teachers expect and deserve better.

“A satisfactory offer must be made if industrial action is to be avoided.”

 “The union will send details of the industrial instruction to employers and members in the New Year.”