Teachers' unions vote in favour of strike action over workload

Northern Ireland's five largest teaching unions have voted to strike if the Department of Education does not address grievances over workload.

In recent ballots, union members all returned large majorities in favour of industrial action.

The unions said members were balloted following "sustained failure to deliver a credible implementation plan for the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload".

A date has not been set and the unions said industrial action could still be avoided if there are decisive moves to "ensure that workload is fully addressed".

In June, when the five main teaching unions announced plans to ballot on strike action, Stormont's Education Minister Paul Givan said he was "genuinely disappointed" by the decision.

Of the 54.89% of NASUWT members who voted, 92.04% voted in support of strike action and 98.63% voted in support of action short of strike.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of NASUWT, said teachers continue to raise concerns around "workload, bureaucracy, and the challenges facing the profession".

Wrack added that "this strength of feeling must now be recognised" by the minister and his department or it "will inevitably lead to robust industrial action".

Maxine Murphy-Higgins, NASUWT national official for Northern Ireland, said "members are exhausted" and accused the department of "dragging their heels".

"Back in November 2025, the independent panel produced their report on workload, the NASUWT tried everything to get the recommendations in place in our schools at pace, but the department have dragged their heels and lacked the courage to take on the difficult issues with clear statements about the requirements places on teachers," she said.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has also secured an "unmistakable mandate" for industrial action.

Members voted 96% in favour of industrial action short of strike and 81% in favour of strike action, which the union said reflected "the depth of concern across the profession about workload, funding pressures and the sustainability of school leadership".

Graham Gault, national secretary of NAHT (NI), said "members have spoken with remarkable clarity" and "are telling us that the current situation is no longer sustainable".

"Meaningful action is needed to address the pressures that are preventing them from carrying out their core responsibilities of leading learning, supporting staff and safeguarding children."

Members of Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said 91% of ballot papers returned voted in support of strike action, with 99% in support of action short of strike.

Turnout in the ballot was 46%.

Mark McTaggart, INTO Northern Secretary, said union members have "delivered a decisive mandate" to Givan.

"Members remain steadfast in their view that workload concerns must be addressed and are prepared to engage in both strike action and action short of strike in pursuit of meaningful change."

"Without tangible progress, significant industrial action is likely to follow," he said.

UTU members also voted in favour of taking action in the ongoing dispute over teacher and school leader workload.

71% voted in support of strike action and 95% in support of action short of strike.

UTU General Secretary Jacquie White said the decision to ballot members followed "intensive talks over the summer period" between unions and employers.

She said, however, that though her union remains committed to negotiations, they "must see urgent resolution which leads to tangible change in schools and classrooms, and we must see such change delivered now".

The NEU have indicated they will follow suit and join in preparing for industrial action.