Union Industrial Action Threat Looms Large

The union representing Jersey headteachers has given the strongest signal yet of a possible walkout.

Speaking to Scrutiny – the President of the Jersey Association of Headteachers, Sam Cooper, revealed the results of an indicative ballot:

“We had a very, very high response. In terms of people saying yes, they will take industrial action including strike was 94%. 

“Up to and not including a strike was 98%.”

Mr Cooper, along with Marina Mauger from the NASUWT, are also predicting that a two-year pay offer will be imposed on members before Christmas.

Union leaders at the scrutiny hearing slammed the States Employment Board’s conduct during negotiations.

Mr Cooper, and Mrs Mauger think the deal that’s been rejected will be forced on them.

Mr Cooper: “The cynic in me would suggest that there’s a time delay in order for pay just to be offered on a back-dated basis just before Christmas.”

Mrs Mauger: “We know those papers have been signed. We know that has gone to payroll. They (the SEB) won’t admit it to us, but we know that happened last week. That pay will be imposed, we believe, at the end of this month.”

An industrial action ballot of civil service members closes on Friday (16th November), with the results expected next week.

The full submission from JCSA Prospect to the States can be found here.