Teachers’ unions put planned strike dates ‘on hold’

Teachers’ unions said they have put planned strike dates “on hold” pending fresh talks.

Members have taken part in strikes over an outstanding pay award, as well as long-running action short of strike over conditions.

The action short of strike in schools is set to continue.

Talks between the unions and the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee are set to start next week.

NITC secretary Mark McTaggart said they want to find a resolution to the pay dispute as quickly as possible.

“We would like to thank the minister for the positive engagement this morning and look forward to further meetings with a view to finding a resolution to the pay dispute as quickly as possible,” he said.

Earlier Mr Givan described a “positive engagement”, and said they discussed their “shared objective of a quick resolution to the ongoing pay dispute”.

The minister later welcomed the unions’ announcement that they have put further strike dates agreed for the coming weeks on hold.

“Our meeting was constructive, we talked about the issues and our shared objectives such as making sure the teaching profession are properly paid for the excellent work they carry out, and that we deliver a world-class education for our children and young people,” he told the PA news agency.

“During the course of that meeting I did ask the unions to suspend their planned days of strike action so that we wouldn’t have schools closing and I am pleased that they have responded positively to that, and that they have now put that on hold.

“I also asked the unions to suspend their action short of strike, which is currently taking place, and that is something that I hope the unions will look at again as we seek to enter into formal negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues.”

Mr Givan said he is waiting for Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald to provide details of the available financial resources.

“Once I have that, then formal negotiations will commence,” he said.

“Again, it’s an objective I share with the unions, that we want to have this resolved as quickly as possible so that we can then get on with the job of teaching our children and young people, an excellent education within the school environment.”