22-05-2013 16:19:04
Members of Jersey's second teachers union have voted in favour of a strike over pay.
The result from the NASUWT ballot this afternoon has revealed members would support a strike.
Local NUT members have already voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.
It's because they think the pay deal the States have given them doesn't reflect increases in the cost of living.
It includes a one% lump sum last year, the same this year and a rise of 1% and a 4% rise next year, if certain conditions are met.
The NUT says they want to meet with politicians to discuss the deal properly.
The Chief Minister says that this meeting is happening on Friday but that there is no more money to give an increased offer.
22-05-2013 13:33:48
Jersey's Teachers have in favour voted of striking.
Over 80% of the local NUT members said yes to strike action, with more than 92% saying yes to industrial action that didn't include striking.
It's over a disagreement with the pay deal the States have introduced.
That includes a 1% lump sum last year, the same this year and a rise of 1% and a 4% rise next year if certain conditions are imposed.
Andy Woolley, NUT Regional Secretary says they now hope to be able to sit down with the States Employment Board and come to an agreement. He says it is not about teachers getting more money, but about them being paid in line with rises in the cost of living so that pay is kept competitive.
If a strike did take place, he stressed that public exams will not be affected.
The NASUWT is also balloting its members and the result should come through today.
The Chief Minister has responded in this statement:
'The budget for pay negotiations was set by the States against a backdrop of rising unemployment and continuing economic uncertainty â that backdrop remains and prudence is essential. The MTFP was approved by the States and there is no more money available for an increased pay offer.
The States Employment Board sets the parameters for pay negotiations and employee relations staff conduct the negotiations with union representatives â that is the professional way to manage pay negotiations. After nearly a year of negotiations the gap between what the employer could offer and the pay groups would accept was too great, so we felt it was fair to implement our final offer in December 2012. Public sector staff receive fair pay and terms and conditions of service, and we have included a no compulsory redundancies agreement as part of the final offer.
A meeting has already been arranged for Friday 24 May between the employer and teachersâ unions â it is being held through the Jersey Advisory Conciliation Service.'
22-05-2013 12:43:47
The Housing Minister is pleased to add some more social houses in the west of the island.
The States have been given approval to buy six two bedroom bungalows in a small planned development in Rue de Haut, St Lawrence.
The other properties on the site will be affordable homes.
Deputy Andrew Green says six houses is just a drop in the ocean, but every little helps and its great that people who want to stay in St Lawrence will have the chance to.
Planning needs to approve the development and once approval is given it's thought the homes will take about 16 months to complete.