Disruption to schools as teachers begin industrial action

From today, a nationwide disruption of primary and secondary schools is expected due to teachers initiating industrial action over delays in reaching a new public sector pay agreement. Members of the INTO and ASTI are participating in a work-to-rule campaign, which may result in delays for early pick-ups and late pick-ups outside of regular school hours.

INTO members will no longer adhere to Croke Park hours, leading to the discontinuation of pre- and post-school supervision, thus restricting pupils to school premises only during official school hours. Additionally, teachers from ASTI will refrain from attending staff meetings and parent-teacher meetings outside of school hours.

An order has been issued to ASTI members in secondary schools, which includes non-cooperation with Croke Park hours and meetings held beyond regular school hours, as well as electronic communication. The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) members will commence their industrial action with a work-to-rule starting from Monday, October 12.

Over 100,000 public sector workers initiated their work-to-rule action last week, preceding a planned strike on October 14. The unions have criticized the Government for not making substantial commitments on pay since the last public sector pay deal expired on June 30. They demand that cost-of-living issues be addressed from the outset of negotiations.

The Government, however, remains willing to hold discussions but insists they will not be bound by any preconditions or predetermined outcomes. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers asserts that the industrial action is unfair to the public and when the Government is prepared to engage with unions, either directly or via the Workplace Relations Commission.