• SEB to meet next week
• Threat of industrial action is unhelpful
• Vital role that teachers play in the success of the Island recognised
The States Employment Board will meet next week to discuss the apparent rejection by the teaching trade unions of a 7.9% inflationary pay award, in line with the majority of other public sector groups.
The Board are disappointed that they received notification of the rejection through a press release from one trade union, without a ballot of their members on the offer. The threat of industrial action is unhelpful, and we maintain channels for further discussions in good faith.
Constable Andy Jehan, Vice-Chair of the States Employment Board commented:
“We are obviously very disappointed with the news from the National Education Union (NEU). We absolutely do recognise the vital role that teachers play in the success of the Island and have been working hard on recruitment and retention with a very successful pilot included in recruitment.
“We have made a fair pay offer of 7.9% to all pay groups and this has been accepted by the majority of employees. The requested pay rise by the NEU is out of step with other pay negotiations, as we continue to face high levels of economic uncertainty which creates pressure on public finances.
“We will continue to meet with unions and engage positively with them in order to reach a successful resolution.”
Government of Jersey News Release