26th April 2023
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and four other teacher unions – NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, and UTU will take part in strike action.
Mark McTaggart, INTO Northern Secretary said;
Teachers and school leaders do not take the decision to withdraw their labour lightly. This is a last resort to demand an annual cost of living increase from the Department of Education and the Northern Ireland Office. No teacher wants to take this step, this action is not against parents and their children, rather this is for their children.
“Our action is an attempt to have the voice of teachers heard, that they must be valued, respected, remunerated, protected and that the education system is adequately funded.
“The undervaluing of teachers and school leaders is ultimately leading to a crisis in recruitment and retention of teachers across the north.
“Teachers in Scotland are currently paid 33% more than teachers here. Our young teachers will vote with their feet, and once again our teacher training colleges will be preparing young teachers for export.
“It is time for those who control the purse strings to listen to the strong voice of teachers and to value teachers and the profession.”
“Education demands better.”