ASCL Northern Ireland President Graham Montgomery said: “ASCL has stressed the vital importance of a quick resolution to this dispute in the interests of children and young people. The current action short of strike action will increasingly make it difficult to run schools and deliver the education that students deserve and need, as well as putting pressure on school leaders as they deal with the disruption. 
 
“Teachers are clearly and justifiably aggrieved about the pay settlement that has been offered. They deserve to be properly remunerated for their tireless work on behalf of students. It is essential that a fair settlement is reached as soon as possible which puts an end to this damaging situation. 
 
“We have emphasised that any future pay offer must be paid for from central funding, and that it must not fall on school budgets which are already under huge strain and cannot bear additional costs. We have been advised that this is a matter for ministers, and we therefore urge them to make education a priority by ensuring that funding is in place. 
 
“Our members are tired of trying to run their schools on inadequate funding levels. They are tired of the failure to defuse industrial unrest. They simply want to get on with the job of educating their young people in a stable and settled environment. The employers and ministers must act now in the best interests of schools and students.”