20,000 ASTI members picket schools over public service pay
More than 20,000 ASTI members are participating in today’s historic public-service-wide strike over pay, the first of its kind in 17 years. Pickets will be placed by ASTI members outside second-level schools all over the country.
ASTI General Secretary Linda Kelly said: “Teachers received a 1.5% pay increase in 2026, while the annual inflation rate is now over 4% and rising. The government’s refusal to provide any certainty that the deterioration in pay will be halted has left teachers with no choice but to take action.”
ASTI President Richie Bell said: “Teachers are facing a serious cost-of living-crisis. Since June, the Government has refused to commit to resolving the inflation-pay gap that has emerged. The provision of €1.2bn in Budget 2027 would amount to a pay cut in real terms. The Government is effectively asking that teachers do more for less. The message from teachers today is clear: addressing the inflation-pay gap must be front and centre of any talks.”
ASTI members began initial industrial action on Monday, October 5th including withdrawal from activities such as the Croke Park hours. The ASTI will participate in a second day of public-service-wide strike action on Wednesday, October 21st.
Ends
