Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed disappointment after a number of teachers’ unions announced plans to ballot members for industrial action over workload.
NASUWT have said their ballot will open on June 10 and close on September 1, covering all state-funded schools in Northern Ireland.
The move follows what NASUWT describes as the Department of Education’s failure to produce a credible plan to implement the 27 recommendations outlined in the Independent Review of Workload.
Mr Givan said addressing workload had been a priority since taking office.
“The Workload Action Plan is a key part of my TransformED programme, focused on modernising education, strengthening the profession and improving outcomes for learners,” he said.
He said the plan, published in April, set out “practical, deliverable and time-bound measures” and went beyond the Independent Review Panel’s recommendations in some areas.
“I am therefore genuinely disappointed that some unions have chosen to proceed to ballot,” he said.
“I would urge teachers and school leaders to consider carefully the full range of reforms and practical measures already in train. Meaningful and lasting progress on workload can only be achieved by working together and that work is well underway.”
NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack said teachers had reached “breaking point”.
“Teachers in Northern Ireland are saying enough is enough. They are working unsustainable hours, overwhelmed by bureaucracy, and seeing their profession stripped of dignity,” he said.
“The Department of Education has had every opportunity to act, but instead has delivered delay, lack of clarity and continued confusion.”
He added that the union had warned the Minister on May 12 that failure to produce a fully deliverable plan would trigger a ballot.
“No credible plan has been forthcoming. Therefore, we will now ballot our members for industrial action,” he said.
NASUWT’s National Official for Northern Ireland, Justin McCamphill, said the situation had become untenable.
“It is deeply regrettable that we have reached this point, but the wellbeing of teachers and the quality of education for young people are at stake,” he said.
“Our members are exhausted.”
He said the union had pushed for implementation of the workload review recommendations since November 2025, but accused the Department of delaying action.
“The Department has dragged its heels and failed to show the leadership needed to address the pressures facing teachers,” he said.
“Teachers will now give their verdict on the Minister’s plan.”
