The NEU teaching union has confirmed its members have voted to strike and will walk out on Wednesday 5 July.

The NEU says teachers working on all States primary and secondary school will be taking action.

Nearly 400 of its members were balloted, with 91% in favour of striking.  Turnout was 59%.

It follows an announcement from the NASUWT union that the majority of its members balloted have also supported walkouts.

They have rejected a 7.9% pay offer for the 22/23 academic year.

The NEU has requested a one-year pay deal for 2023 RPI + 5%, whereas NASUWT have called for RPI + 5%, followed by RPI + 4% in 2024 and 2025.

NEU Regional Secretary Maria Fawcett said:

"Industrial action is always a last resort, but unfortunately our hardworking and committed members have been left with no alternative.

Teachers have sent a strong message to the Minister that another below inflation pay offer is not acceptable particularly when inflation is running at more than 12%.

Teachers on the island have seen their pay decline in real terms over the last decade and as well as this impacting on their daily lives it has created a worsening recruitment and retention crisis which is impacting negatively on the classroom.

We urge the Minister to improve the offer made to teachers, to halt the decline in real terms pay and address the recruitment and retention crisis in our classrooms.”

Constable Andy Jehan, Vice Chair of the States Employment Board, says the public wage bill must be 'affordable and sustainable'. 

““We have been clear that the demand for an above-inflation rise is neither realistic nor affordable. 

All other employees in schools have accepted 7.9 per cent and we maintain it is a fair offer for teachers and a good settlement for the taxpayer. "

The NEU says there will be a demonstration of teachers, parents and supporters outside the States Assembly on the day of the strike action.