Sandra Overend MLA, Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson, speaking after meeting with NASUWT at the Ulster Unionist Party Conference 2016 has shared in their hope that a resolution can soon be found to the ongoing issues around teachers' pay.
Mrs Overend said,
“It is very unfortunate that this situation has arisen. Teachers and schools are already under a lot of pressure and are feeling the pinch with budgets getting tighter and tighter. Ultimately, it is the pupils who are most affected by situations like this.
“I absolutely support teachers in pursuit of fair pay. After speaking to teachers and hearing their concerns it seems to me that they are feeling undervalued and that their hard work is not being rewarded fairly. It is particularly concerning to note that teachers' pay in Northern Ireland is failing to keep pace with teachers across the UK. We do not need any more of our young people or skilled teachers attracted away by the promise of higher wages.
“However, ultimately, this is a matter between the Education Authority and the teachers’ unions and I hope they come to an agreement very soon. These negotiations have been going on longer than is necessary and I would be very disappointed to see this matter having an adverse impact on pupils.”