ANY negotiation to prevent next week’s strike is ‘strictly’ in the hands of the States Employment Board, the Assistant Education Minister has said as hundreds of teachers prepare to walk out over a pay dispute.
Constable Richard Vibert said he would ‘love’ to avoid the scheduled industrial action and claimed his department was doing ‘everything possible to avoid the interruption of learning for children and young people’ if it goes ahead.
Up to 400 members of the NEU are due to walk out on Wednesday, while members of the NASUWT and NAHT head teachers’ union are refusing to take on any additional duties after all three unions rejected a 7.9% pay increase.
A demonstration is also expected to take place in the Royal Square on Wednesday to coincide with next week’s States sitting, while the majority of schools will be closed.
In a statement, Mr Vibert said: ‘As Assistant Minister for Children and Education, I am not involved in pay discussions – this is strictly the role of SEB.
However, as part of the ministerial team with overall responsibility for education in the Island, the impact of any industrial action concerns me. Schools and the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills are committed to doing everything possible to avoid the interruption of learning for children and young people should the industrial action go ahead, but the main priority is for their safety at school.
‘Schools have reviewed their contingency plans ahead of the proposed strike action by some teachers scheduled for 5 July 2023. Head teachers have informed parents and carers in their schools of their plans,’ he continued.
Speaking to the JEP, Mr Vibert added: ‘I would love to be able to avoid strike action and continue talking. We have to ensure that children’s education is not disrupted but the negotiations are very much a matter for the SEB.’
