Education Minister Paul Givan has said he is disappointed that several teachers’ unions are moving ahead with ballots for industrial action over workload.

The unions’ decisions come after the minister established an Independent Review Panel last year to examine pressures on teachers and school leaders. In response to the panel’s findings, the Department of Education published a Workload Action Plan at the end of April. The plan includes concrete, time-bound measures to reduce workplace stress.

Prior to the ballot announcements, the minister provided written clarifications to union queries. Department officials and management representatives also held direct meetings with the unions to address outstanding concerns. Despite these steps, a number of unions confirmed they will proceed with balloting.

The minister described the action plan as a central element of his TransformED programme, aimed at modernising education and supporting the profession. He said the plan goes beyond the panel’s recommendations in several areas and urged teachers to consider the reforms already underway.

Givan reiterated that addressing workload has been a priority since he took office, focused on retaining teachers and sustaining school leadership.