PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Conservative comment on potential teacher strikes [October 2022]

The press release issued by Welsh Conservatives on 27 October 2022.

Teachers in Wales are being asked to vote on industrial action after being offered below-inflation pay rises. It could lead to strikes in the new year after unions rejected a 5% pay offer from the Labour government, here in Wales.

Commenting on the news, Shadow Education Minister, Laura Anne Jones MS said:

“The Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, has the levers, he has the money, to pay teachers more, if he wants to.

“Wales has seen a 10% fall in teacher numbers since 2011, which represents 4,000 fewer teachers despite there being 7,000 more students. Clearly, retention is an issue that the Labour Government need to get a hold of.

“Let’s see the Welsh Education Minister put his money where his mouth is, grapple with the unique issues faced by the Welsh education system and stop passing the buck.”