Teachers walk out in ongoing pay dispute

Members of Northern Ireland largest teachers' union are set to walk out again today in a row over pay.

The NASUWT members will take industrial action at around 100 schools across Londonderry, Strabane, Mid Ulster, Fermanagh and Omagh.

It's part of a rolling series of strikes across Northern Ireland which began in November.

The union expects many post-primary schools to be fully, or partially closed for the day.

NASUWT members say that since 2011, teachers have been subjected to a two-year pay freeze, two years of a 1% pay increase and a continuing pay freeze from 2015 onwards.

As part of the day of action, teachers will be gathering at a rally at St Columb’s Hall, in Derry at 11am.
 
The rally will be addressed by teachers and elected representatives of the NASUWT in Northern Ireland.

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said:
 
“No teacher takes strike action lightly and we regret the disruption the action will have on pupils and parents.
 
“Despite our attempts to resolve this dispute through negotiation, the attitude of the Minister has left us with no other option than to continue our programme of strike action.
 
“Teachers are angry, frustrated and determined to send a loud and clear message that says value us and the children we teach.”