NAHT seeks support for strike ballot on Isle of Man
The union said the move is a response to the alleged misuse of disciplinary procedures, breaches of agreed policies, and the victimisation of union officials
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has asked school leaders on the Isle of Man whether they support moving to a formal ballot for industrial action, following a breakdown in relations between their union and the island’s education department.
According to the school leaders’ union, it is seeking support to proceed with a formal vote on potential industrial action. NAHT’s ballot of its members will close at noon on 18 June.
The union said the move is a response to the alleged misuse of disciplinary procedures, breaches of agreed policies, and the victimisation of union officials. An emergency meeting of the NAHT’s Isle of Man executive committee resulted in a unanimous decision to pursue a formal ballot, subject to approval from the union’s senior leadership on the island.
The indicative ballot also follows a formal collective dispute raised by NAHT assistant general secretary Rob Kelsall, who wrote to interim chief executive Mark Lewin outlining the union’s concerns.
Kelsall said: “This decision was not taken lightly. But after months of inaction, repeated policy breaches, and a failure to uphold basic employment rights, it is now unavoidable.
“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 union said the issues raised go beyond isolated incidents and indicate a “persistent and systemic pattern of behaviour” that may constitute unlawful conduct.
Describing the ballot as a “last resort”, NAHT criticised the Isle of Man government for failing to act on repeated calls for intervention, including those involving the Manx Industrial Relations Service. While assurances had been given about an independent review, the union said no progress had been made.
The union told members: “We remain committed to finding a constructive resolution and believe these steps are necessary to rebuild trust and ensure fairness for all. But we must be clear: the safety, dignity, and fair treatment of our members is non-negotiable.”
