Michael McAuley, Director of ASCL Northern Ireland, comments following the announcement that the five teaching unions that comprise the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council will begin action short of strike from 28 September.
“ASCL Northern Ireland notes that the five teaching unions will move to commence action short of strike action. The workload of teachers and school leaders in Northern Ireland has been a long running issue and the Independent Review of Teacher Workload, and the associated recommendations, provided a vehicle to allow all parties to arrive at a workable agreement on a way forward.
“From the communications issued following yesterday’s announcement, it is clear staff side and management side are close to reaching agreement, with only a small number of issues outstanding. Over the last decade our school leaders have faced a range of crises, and the sector continues to navigate numerous challenges such as financial pressures, recruitment and retention, special educational needs and the implementation of policy reform. Therefore, in the interests of pupils in schools across Northern Ireland, ASCL would encourage all parties to redouble their efforts to seek a resolution.”