Teachers in Northern Ireland to Vote on Industrial Action Over Workload
Teachers in Northern Ireland are set to vote on whether to undertake industrial action concerning what they describe as an "unsustainable" workload. The five primary teaching unions will begin balloting their members from 10 June, with the possibility of strike action occurring during the upcoming school year.
Although a pay agreement for teachers was reached in 2025, many educators have emphasized that workload remains a significant concern. The ballot process will continue until early September.
Stormont's Education Minister, Paul Givan, expressed his reaction to the unions' decision.
"I am genuinely disappointed by the decision of the unions to ballot," said Givan.
Reasons Behind the Unions' Ballot
In February, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) took the uncommon step of declaring a "trade dispute" with the Department of Education (DE) regarding workload issues. In response, Minister Givan commissioned an independent review focused on teacher workload.
The review, completed in 2025, presented 27 recommendations aimed at alleviating "excessive workload not directly related to teaching and learning." It also highlighted a "huge growth in Special Educational Needs (SEN) related workload" affecting both teachers and school leaders.
Despite these efforts, the teaching unions stated in their announcement of the ballot that the department's action plan "did not go far enough" to reduce the workload pressures on teachers and school leaders.
The joint statement from the NASUWT, INTO, UTU, NAHT, and NEU unions indicated that they felt compelled to seek a mandate for industrial action.
Justin McCamphill of NASUWT criticized the department's approach:
"The department has dragged their heels and lacked the courage to take on the difficult issues with clear statements about the requirements placed on teachers."
Mark McTaggart from INTO added:
"Too many concerns remain unresolved."
Jacquie White of the UTU remarked:
"Teachers and school leaders are still facing an incoming academic year which is not promising change or improvement."
Graham Gault from NAHT stated:
"School leaders have yet to experience any meaningful reduction in the huge pressures they face."
Pauline Buchanan of the NEU commented:
"There has been insufficient progress on core matters."
Minister Paul Givan's Response
Minister Givan emphasized that addressing the workload of teachers and school leaders has been a priority for his department. He noted that the department's workload action plan outlined "a clear programme of reform to reduce unnecessary workload and build a more manageable and sustainable workload culture."
"I am therefore genuinely disappointed that some unions have chosen to proceed to ballot,"he said.
"I would urge teachers and school leaders to consider carefully the full range of reforms and practical measures already in train.
Meaningful and lasting progress on workload can only be achieved by working together and that work is well under way."
