Unions warn of industrial action
TeachING unions yesterday warned of industrial action over the proposed pay and education cuts.
They also -- unexpectedly -- refused to lift their ban on parent-teacher meetings outside of school hours, saying there could be no "weakening" of their directives at this time.
The executives of all three unions met separately and reviewed the effects of cuts.
A spokesperson for Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe expressed disappointment that there seemed to be no change in the ban on parent-teacher meetings outside school hours, saying the post-primary unions had indicated that it was being reconsidered.
But union leaders said the Taoiseach's warning that pay cuts would be considered had infuriated their executives.
ASTI general secretary John White said anger was expressed at regional meetings in relation to reports of pay cuts.
Yesterday the union's Standing Committee stated that any attempt to impose further cuts would be met by strong opposition.
"If necessary, the ASTI will ballot its members on industrial action in opposition to further cuts," said Mr White.
- John Walshe
