TEACHERS UNITED

Teachers’ Unions in Northern Ireland continue to work together for the common good of all teachers and school leaders. With the cooperation of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the NITC, currently comprising of INTO, NAHT and UTU is working collaboratively with ATL and NASUWT to enhance policy and decision making and the unique social partnership arrangements within the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee.

The Teachers’ Negotiating Committee is working extremely well taking into account the scarcity of resource allocated to it by the Northern Ireland Executive in its Programme for Government. NITC has successfully introduced additional time for Teaching Principals and will strive to include Nursery School principals in this arrangement as soon as possible.  The parity pay rise of 2.45% will be included in teachers’ pay packets in October.

This school year expect progress on:

Flexibility at work; new Career Break and Job Sharing schemes etc.
New mediation proposals, designed to more easily resolve disputes
An Occupational Health and Welfare Service for all teachers.

NITC regrets recent comments made by Ms Keates General Secretary, NASUWT in relation to sister teacher unions working hard on behalf of teachers and principals in the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee [TNC].

NITC urges Ms Keates to consult with her Northern Ireland NASUWT colleagues before indulging in any future divisive posturing. The reality is that the Education Minister and Management Side have made clear to her that the negotiating machinery available to teachers is that which operates through NITC. Teachers’ unions working together offer the best prospect for Northern Ireland teachers. Unity is Strength. It’s common sense.