Teachers vote in favour of work stoppage
Schools may close on Monday, March 30, after teachers voted to support proposed national stoppages over the Government's handling of the economic crisis.
Ballots in the three teacher unions, the primary level INTO and the second level ASTI and TUI, have shown a majority in favour of industrial action up to and including a strike.
The detail of the ballot results were not released last night, but INTO rules require a two-thirds majority.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has yet to take a final decision on whether the day of action, which could be the first in a series, goes ahead.
ICTU wants the Government to reshape its national recovery programme and agree a "social solidarity pact based on a fair contribution from all sectors of society".
The unions are hoping for negotiations, but nothing has yet been arranged.
This week's announcement of an emergency budget on April 1 may also be a factor in deciding whether to go ahead with stoppages on March 30.
Government cost-cutting measures include a public service pensions levy, ranging from 3pc to 9.6pc
Alternative
The ballots have been taking place in public sector unions and among private sector workers whose employers have not paid the wage agreement and no alternative is in place.
In a joint statement last night, the general secretaries of the three teacher unions said the decision had been a difficult one for teachers who, as well as facing difficult economic circumstances themselves, were well aware of the impact of the economic crisis on the communities in which they live and work.
"The results showed clearly the anger of teachers at the Government's inequitable handling of the crisis.
"Teachers and other workers expected to be treated in a fair and equitable manner and that the well-off in society would contribute their fair share," the union leaders said.
- Katherine Donnelly
