'Our members are exhausted': Teachers in Northern Ireland back industrial action over workloads

Teacher unions balloted members over what they termed the Department of Education’s failure to deliver a “credible implementation plan” for the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload.

The NASUWT said more than 92% of its members voted in support of strike action, and more than 98% voted for action short to strike, with a turnout of 54%.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said 91% of ballot papers returned were in support of strike action – with 99% in support of action short of strike action, with a turnout of 46%.

The Ulster Teachers Union (UTU) said 71% voted in support of strike action and 95% in support of action short of strike.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT general secretary, said a “resounding message” has been delivered to Education Minister Paul Givan.

“They are adamant that they are not prepared to tolerate a situation where workload is unaddressed and are fully prepared to take either strike action or action short of strike in furtherance of this campaign,” he said.

“This strength of feeling must now be recognised, and the minister and employers must move decisively to ensure that workload is fully addressed. Failure to properly address workload will inevitably lead to robust industrial action.”

Maxine Murphy-Higgins, NASUWT national official for Northern Ireland said it was “deeply regretful” to have got to this point, but she said the wellbeing of teachers and quality of education are on the line.

“Our members are exhausted,” she said.

“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.”

Mark McTaggart, INTO northern secretary, said 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”.

“While some positive steps have been acknowledged, the department has failed to adequately address the concerns raised around a number of the review’s key recommendations and has not yet provided sufficient assurances that unnecessary workload pressures will be reduced in practice,” he said.

“The strength of this mandate demands a response. The minister and employing authorities must act decisively to address workload concerns in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

“Without tangible progress, significant industrial action is likely to follow.”

UTU general secretary Jacquie White said while her union remain committed to resolving the situation through negotiation, members are prepared to take strike action or action short of strike.

“We must see urgent resolution which leads to tangible change in schools and classrooms, and we must see such change delivered now,” she said.

“The children in our schools do not benefit as they should when time is redirected from the core business of schools – teaching and learning.

“We must redress the balance and ensure that we provide every child with the best opportunity we can to achieve their potential.

“UTU members are prepared to take strike action or action short of strike to deliver.”

However, Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed hope that significant progress made through negotiations over the summer can be concluded positively to avoid industrial action.

He said: “Since becoming Education Minister, I have delivered unprecedented pay rises for teachers and support staff in a very challenging financial environment. I have been fully committed to reducing teacher and school leader workload as I recognise the pressures facing our teaching workforce. My Department has been working to deliver practical measures that support teachers and school leaders in their work.

“At my request, a panel was established to identify workload-related issues. The panel’s recommendations have been taken forward and the employers along with my Department are committed to implementing them. Significant progress has been made through the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) conciliation process.”

The Minister continued: “Negotiations over recent months have been very constructive with agreement reached across a range of issues in dispute. This ballot was initiated before the negotiations had commenced and the outcome does not reflect the genuine efforts that have been made by all parties to find a resolution.

“My Department and Management Side have engaged in good faith, demonstrating a willingness to listen and respond and we will continue to do so. We will also need to consider how further engagement can be structured in a way that is meaningful and has a realistic prospect of reaching agreement. I believe that further progress is possible through continued engagement and I will continue to work with the NITC and employers to find a way forward.’’