Teachers to step up action if talks fail
TEACHER unions will vote to step up their campaign over pay at their Easter conferences if current ICTU talks with the Government fail.
Emergency motions will be tabled looking for tougher industrial action and strikes if there is no breakthrough within the next two weeks. Other actions could include withdrawal of all co-operation and a ban on non-contractual teaching duties.
Little progress has been made at the sectoral meeting attended this week by the Department of Education and seven unions -- ASTI, TUI, INTO, the Irish Federation of University Teachers, IMPACT, SIPTU and UNITE -- representing teachers, secretaries, special needs assistants, caretakers, administrators and others.
It is known that the department wants to push the items originally proposed on the reform agenda in December including a comprehensive review of employment contracts.
- John Walshe Education Editor
Irish Independent
