Unions to meet on possible strike action
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TEACHING unions will this week advance plans for industrial action over the Government's handling of the economic crisis.
Teachers have voted by up to 79pc in favour of action, including strike action. This could see schools close on Monday, March 30 while also under consideration are work-to-rule and non co-operation with various initiatives.
The biggest support was among members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) which voted 79pc in favour, with a turnout of 60pc.
The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), representing teachers and lecturers at second and third level, voted 70pc in favour with a 67pc turnout, while the second-level Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) showed 60pc support from a turnout of 50pc.
The leadership of the three unions will meet separately this week to discuss the industrial action, which will be planned in partnership with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
TUI general secretary Peter MacMenamin said there was"unprecedented anger" among teachers.
INTO general secretary John Carr said strike action would be a last resort and could be avoided if the Government reconvened social partnership and "worked out an equitable national recovery plan".
- Katherine Donnelly
