NAHT reach agreement to end industrial action

Tue, 01 Oct 2019

The National Association of Headteachers and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) have reached an agreement which allows industrial action to be suspended on the Island.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, which represents more than a hundred school leaders on the Isle of Man, said: "As a result of positive and constructive talks, we have agreed a ten-point plan which gives us a way forward to a much better situation for everyone concerned. Throughout this process we have been committed to dialogue and now we can see the results."

Graham Cregeen, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: "This was my first meeting with NAHT national officials and we have reached agreement on a range of issues and am pleased that the industrial action is suspended. We look forward to further positive and constructive dialogue in the coming weeks in support of our dedicated staff in delivering an excellent education service on-island."

Chief Executive Ronald Barr said: "The Department remains committed to securing future investment in children's education and maintain and further develop further the excellent work being done in our schools."

The joint DESC and NAHT plan includes an agreement to discuss future pay and conditions and an agreement to reschedule External Validations that were due to take place next month.

NAHT has agreed to suspend its trade dispute immediately. DESC has agreed to reconvene the joint union forum in relation to the Education Bill to enable unions and associations to discuss this further, prior to it being considered by Tynwald.

NAHT will now consult with its members on the Isle of Man. 

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