Teachers divided over pay deal [IrishTimes]
- Published: 07 April 2010
THIS WEEK’S teacher conferences have been dominated by debate over the public service pay and reform deal. It is apparent there are clear divisions within the teacher unions; the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) has narrowly backed the proposed deal while the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) are vehemently opposed. All three unions will ballot their members on the deal. Both the ASTI and the TUI will recommend rejection.
The proposed deal is by no means ideal; even its main proponents openly acknowledge this. Some of the benefits are conditional and uncertain while some of the dangers are clear, especially from the teacher perspective. Teachers are concerned the new deal – which promises a review of their contract – will fundamentally change their working conditions. There are also concerns about the possible introduction of performance-related pay, additional productivity demands and changes to pension entitlements, especially for younger members.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
