Latest news with #RobKelsall
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Isle of Man school leaders to vote on strike action in dispute
School leaders on the Isle of Man are to be balloted on taking strike action in a row over what a union claims is the "misuse of disciplinary proceedings".The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said it followed an earlier indicative electronic poll, which gained support from 72% of those who responded, and a formal ballot would now take month Rob Kelsall wrote to government chief executive Mark Lewin to outline the union's concerns over alleged "bullying and intimidation of school leaders".The Department of Education, Sport and Culture previously said it "completely refutes" the claims. The formal postal ballot will run between 7 July and 11 move to a formal vote over strike action has been given the backing of the NAHT's national executive committee. 'Disgraceful treatment' In a statement the union said the move was "necessary to protect its members from further misuse of disciplinary proceedings" as well as the "disregard of agreed policies and procedures, and victimisation of its officials".It said the indicative ballot had outlined four areas it deemed to be of concern, namely - the victimisation of NAHT members, breaches of the Fairness at Work Policy, the misuse of disciplinary procedures, and breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Kelsall said it "wasn't a road we wanted to have to go down" but the union had been "left with little choice due to the inaction of the Isle of Man government"."This is about standing up for the safety, dignity, and fair treatment of our members in the face of disgraceful treatment by the education department which may well constitute unlawful conduct," he union remained ready to hold further talks with the government but it "must be willing not just to listen but also to act upon our serious concerns", he added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Isle of Man school leaders asked to vote on industrial action
School leaders on the Isle of Man are being asked if they want to consider taking industrial action due to the alleged "further misuse of disciplinary proceedings" by the education department. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has held an emergency meeting to initiate a formal ballot for its members on the island.A formal dispute with the education department was raised by the union last month, citing a "toxic" culture and alleging an abuse of BBC has asked the education department for a response to the NAHT's concerns. The NAHT has opened an electronic ballot which asks members whether they would support a ballot for industrial union said it was determined to "protect its members from further misuse of disciplinary proceedings by the island's education department".It claimed there had been a "disregard of agreed policies and procedures, and the victimisation of [union] officials". 'Months of inaction' The formal complaint was raised by NAHT assistant general secretary Rob Kelsall, who wrote to the island's interim chief executive Mark Lewin. Mr Kelsall said the ballot was "unavoidable" due to "months of inaction, repeated policy breaches, and a failure to uphold basic employment rights".He added: "The integrity of our profession and the dignity of our members is on the line."We will not stand by and see school leaders being treated with contempt and their union representatives subjected to a witch-hunt and victimised."The NAHT alleged there had been breaches of the Fairness at Work Policy and the Code of Conduct for Public Servants. It claimed the education department had been misusing disciplinary procedures by imposing "punitive sanctions" rather than supporting professional union said concerns went "far beyond the experiences of any one or two individuals" and included "multiple breaches of employment policies and professional standards".It said: "We remain committed to finding a constructive resolution and believe these steps are necessary to rebuild trust and ensure fairness for all."The ballot will close on 18 June. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
