// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Teachers' unions vote in favour of strike action over workload
Although a pay deal for teachers was agreed in 2025, many said their workload was also a significant problem
Northern Ireland's five largest teaching unions have voted to strike if the Department of Education does not address grievances over workload.
In recent ballots, union members all returned large majorities in favour of industrial action.
The unions said members were balloted following "sustained failure to deliver a credible implementation plan for the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload".
Education Minister Paul Givan said negotiations on the issue had made "significant progress" over the summer and he hoped the ongoing talks would be "concluded positively to avoid industrial action".
"I have been fully committed to reducing teacher and school leader workload as I recognise the pressures facing our teaching workforce," he added.
"I believe that further progress is possible through continued engagement and I will continue to work with the NITC (Northern Ireland Teachers' Council) and employers to find a way forward.''
A potential strike date has not been set and the unions said industrial action could still be avoided if there are decisive moves to "ensure that workload is fully addressed".
In June, when the five main teaching unions announced plans to ballot on strike action, Givan said he was "genuinely disappointed" by the decision.
Of the 54.89% of NASUWT members who voted, 92.04% voted in support of strike action and 98.63% voted in support of action short of strike.