Union backs teachers' dispute with States
A FORMAL dispute has been registered between Guernsey's largest teaching union and the States.
NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates says the move followed the 'imposition of adverse changes to teachers' conditions of service without any negotiation' and a ballot of its members.
'The ballot demonstrated an overwhelming concern among members about not only the changes imposed but the precedent that was being set that terms and conditions could be changed without negotiation,' she said.
'The NASUWT has therefore lodged a formal trade dispute with the States of Guernsey and will now be following the procedures laid down to seek a negotiated resolution to the dispute.'
The union would not give any further details about the issue.
As well as an ongoing pensions row, it is understood that teachers are unhappy with the planned introduction of Education's federation of schools. It is claimed that new school starting times could lead to teachers working longer hours for no extra pay.
A letter sent to members of the NASUWT showed 96% were in favour of declaring a dispute.
