JOINT strike action by teaching unions in Northern Ireland could take place after the school half-term holidays, it has been suggested.
It is understood that union members are considering a joint walkout, which could possibly happen the week beginning February 20.
Members of the NASUWT, INTO, UTU and NAHT had previously voted for strike action amid a continuing dispute over pay and conditions. They have already been taking part in coordinated action short of strike in schools, which has affected meeting attendance and administrative tasks.
Unions last year rejected a 3.2 per cent pay offer from employers for the years 2021/2023, describing it as "inadequate". They argue that inflation above 10 per cent means these increases amount to pay cuts.
It has now emerged that unions are considering a joint strike with teachers from the National Education Union (NEU) the latest to be balloted.
Mark Langhammer, NEU Northern Ireland secretary, told members that if they voted to strike, "the first possible action could be in week starting 20 February".
In his email to members, he said: "However, as any action will be co-ordinated with other unions it is likely that a 'day of action' may be called in the week following half-term break".
He also said that teachers want "a fully funded pay rise which at least matches inflation".
The Department of Education said previously that "engagement is currently ongoing" and it "remains committed to resolving issues regarding teachers’ pay through discussion and hopes to find a resolution as soon as possible".
