AQW 52649/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/09/2026
Answered On Date: 25/09/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any urgent action he is taking to resolve the teacher workload dispute and prevent industrial action commencing on 28 September 2026.

Answer:

I am concerned that the forthcoming industrial action will cause significant disruption in schools and I have urged the teaching unions to reconsider, and to give the additional time needed to secure a durable outcome for the profession, rather than returning to a course of action that serves no one's interests - least of all those of the children and young people our schools exist to serve.

There remains scope to reach a negotiated agreement without the need for industrial action. My Department remains committed to the process and indeed further discussions are scheduled directly with Northern Ireland Teaching Council representatives this week and also at the Labour Relations Agency on 28 September.

The negotiations are taking place through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) and departmental officials are directly involved in these discussions. Management Side of TNC remains fully committed to ongoing engagement with the teaching unions to reach an agreement without the need for further escalation. Management Side has also renewed its request for any action to be suspended to enable a full resolution to be agreed.