Michael McAuley, Director of ASCL Northern Ireland, comments after the five teaching unions that make up the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council announced their members had voted in favour of industrial action in response to concerns about teacher workload and the implementation of the recommendations set out in the Independent Review of Teacher Workload.
“ASCL Northern Ireland recognises colleagues’ concerns about workload, and supports the implementation of measures to address the workload of teachers and school leaders and to avoid a period of industrial action in our schools. To prevent the dispute escalating further, we urge all parties – the Department of Education, management side and unions - to continue their negotiations in order to resolve their differences, which we believe are not insurmountable.
“In the years prior to 2024, our schools experienced significant disruption because of a lengthy period of industrial action, and we do not want to see those days return. Schools already face mounting challenges, particularly around budgets and the implementation of the reform agenda and an industrial dispute will only exacerbate the issues they face. A resolution is essential to avoid the negative impact any action will have on those who are most important - our children and young people.”