One-day strike by NASUWT teachers affects schools around Derry

NASUWT teachers will today participate in a strike that will affect schools across Derry.

This will be the second day of strike action after teachers belonging to the INTO union also staged a half-day strike on 18 January

Derry schools affected by the strike include Culmore Primary School, Good Shepherd Primary School and St. Patrick's Primary School.

The strike will also affect schools in Mid Ulster, Fermanagh and Omagh following strike action in schools throughout Belfast and Newtownabbey on 30 November 2016.

This action follows strike action in schools throughout Belfast and Newtownabbey on 30 November 2016.

An NASUWT strike rally will also take place in St. Columb's Hall in Derry today.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “It is with deep regret that we remain in this positon, but we have been left with no choice by the blatant disregard of the Minister for Education and the Employers for the pay and conditions of service of teachers who provide such a vital public service.

“We have continued to make clear to the Minister that strike action can be avoided if there is an improvement on the 0% pay award for 2015/16 and a genuine commitment to meet with the NASUWT to seek to resolve our trade dispute.

“If the next phase of strike action goes ahead, it will be the responsibility of the Ministers and the Employers.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said:

“NASUWT members are committed and dedicated teachers. They regret any disruption to pupils and parents.

“However, parents will also recognise that unless teachers are recognised and rewarded as highly-skilled professionals and have working conditions which free them to focus on teaching and learning, there will be a long-term detrimental impact on the quality of education provision for their children.”

A full list of the schools affected can be viewed online at: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/news/industrial-action/northern-ireland.html