Teaching unions bash government over “misleading” messages

Friday 03 May 2019

The island’s two teaching unions have bashed the government for releasing statements they have described as “inaccurate”, “misleading”, “hostile” and likely to scupper the pay resolution process.

Earlier this week, the government hit out at the National Education Union (NEU), whose members are undertaking eight days of planned strikes this month over pay.

In a statement drafted by officials containing comments from the Chief Minister, NASUWT were praised for their “positive” approach, which had apparently led to a “breakthrough” in ongoing pay negotiations. 

Meanwhile, striking NEU members were strongly criticised for their stance in wishing to resolve pay issues before discussing wider educational reform, and dubbed “not serious about seeking resolution” amid a warning that their decision to strike was “deliberately harming our children’s education and causing cost and inconvenience to parents and employers.”

Video: Deputy Rob Ward addressing NEU members at Wednesday's strike.

The statement also drew comparisons between the number of members in each union, with the NEU said to have 208 against around 500 in NASUWT.

The NEU have since hit back at the notion, describing the government’s version of events as “misleading.”

In an open letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, NEU Regional Secretary Ian Stevenson wrote: “It is difficult to understand given the above how it is possible for you to conclude that the NEU is ‘..not serious about seeking a resolution’. It was the NEU that initiated the latest round of talks to resolve the pay dispute. It was also the NEU that despite the recent break down of those talks, proposed more talks be scheduled as soon as could be arranged, to continue to seek a settlement to this dispute.  

“The NEU are therefore committed to seeking a resolution to the pay dispute,  as they are to safeguarding the future of the education system of Jersey. In that regard it is essential that the Jersey Government values and respects its teachers and provides for a fair pay settlement, one which will attract and retain teachers for the benefit of the education of the young people of the island.” 

Pictured: NASUWT members at a rally in the Royal Square in March.

He further observed that the NEU actually represents 539 Jersey teachers (excluding retired and honorary life members) – more than twice the size that the government’s statement had suggested. 

Meanwhile, NASUWT, who are taking action short of a strike including refusing to cover lessons, said it would be writing to the government’s Chief Executive Charlie Parker “making it clear that this release was inaccurate and unacceptable, and that the States’ hostile approach to communications makes a resolution more difficult to achieve.” 

“For the avoidance of doubt, there has been no ‘breakthrough’ and the NASUWT has not agreed to any changes to working conditions. The Union has, however, agreed to look at reforms to working conditions as part of the current dispute, which could have a positive benefit for members,” NASUWT said in a message to members seen by Express. 

They added that they are currently hoping to make progress by 30 June. 

“In the meantime, it is essential that members continue to follow the action short of strike action instruction on cover,” the message added.

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