A teaching union has told members to begin industrial action “short of strike” in schools across Northern Ireland from later this month.
In a letter to members, the NASUWT said the action should take “effect from 13 January 2025″.
Members of three of the north’s main teaching unions last month voted overwhelmingly for strike action over pay.
It came six months after teachers had accepted a pay offer of more than 10% for the years from 2021 to 2024.
The NASUWT, INTO and UTU unions balloted members on action in November due to the lack of “a satisfactory pay offer for 2024-25″.
Teachers voted by a majority in each union for strike action and action short of strike.
No strike dates were announced last month, but it has now emerged that NASUWT members have been told that action should begin this month.
In his letter to members, NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: “Following the results of the ballot of members in Northern Ireland, I am authorised by the National Executive to instruct you to take continuous action short of strike action with effect from 13 January 2025.”
He added: “Thank you for your solidarity and support during what I know has been a difficult period for you all”.
Previously continuous action short of strike action affected teachers covering for other staff, overseeing exams, lesson plans, inspections and school meetings.
The Department of Education said last month that it was “very disappointed the trade unions have escalated to strike action” and described the decision as “entirely premature”.