ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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ASTI General Secretary John White today called on ASTI members to rise above the divisive tactics of the right wing commentariat which are designed to attack the very essence of trade unionism.

Addressing 500 second-level teachers at the ASTI’s Annual Conference in Galway today, Mr White said:

“Attempts to divide unions from one another can only weaken the role of unions in representing an alternative vision for our society in this horrendous recession. Attacking solidarity is attacking the very essence of trade unionism.

“Public Sector trade unions are faced with very difficult choices over the coming three to four weeks. Whatever the decisions taken by the members of the various unions, it is vital that the trade union movement remains united. We have enough external enemies without having internal rancour and distrust. Those with an anti-union agenda will attempt to ‘make big’ any hint of difference among union members and we must keep to this to the forefront of our minds in all our deliberations over the coming weeks. 

“The climate within which the ASTI and other unions are operating is a climate of unrestrained attempts by the right wing to diminish the power of unions to represent their members. This right wing believes the place for trade unions is outside the door where their influence is negligible. Trade unions must not allow themselves to be provoked into misguided and doomed actions. We must deal with this crisis in a coherent, rational and strategic manner. Above all, we must remain united.”

The ASTI represents 18,500 second-level teachers all over the country. 

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