A third teaching union has voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in a dispute over pay.

The NASUWT said the result of a ballot showed the strength of feeling of its members.

Of 312 members eligible to vote, 212 returned their ballot papers and 200 voted in favour of strike action, with 12 voting against; and 207 voted in favour of action short of a strike with 12 voting against and one spoilt paper.

The NASUWT said there was 94% support for a strike in schools and University College Isle of Man while support for action short of a strike was 98% and 100% respectively.

Chris Keates, NASUWT general secretary (acting), said: ’The result of this ballot shows that our members are resolute and determined to secure a fair deal in the face of real-terms pay cuts and concerns over their pensions.

’While any industrial action is to be regretted, the NASUWT had no other option but to take this unprecedented step of balloting its members.’

Unions say that since 2010, teachers and school leaders have year after year faced the erosion of their pay amounting to real-terms pay cuts of a third.

Ms Keates said: ’The Department for Education, Sport and Culture has delayed and prevaricated over the pay award. Today’s result sends a clear message that members will not put up with delays any longer. Their patience is exhausted.

’It is time for Ministers to stop procrastinating, sit down with the NASUWT and resolve this dispute to the satisfaction of hard-working teachers and school leaders.’

Two other teaching unions have voted in favour of industrial action - the NAHT and ASCL.

But a fourth, the National Education Union, which represents more than 60% of teachers in the island, has agreed a deal in principle with the DESC.

An all-members’ union meeting was due to take place next Tuesday (January 28) in Braddan church, from 4.30pm to 6pm, when speakers from all unions will be speaking to give an update on the latest position with regards to the ongoing dispute.