ASTI members vote overwhelmingly to take industrial action over pay
ASTI members have voted by 95% to 5% to take industrial action, up to and including strike action, over the Government’s failure to negotiate a meaningful public service pay deal that addresses the cost of living crisis for teachers.
The turnout for the ballot was 56%.
Up to 20,000 second-level teachers who are members of the ASTI will begin initial industrial action involving withdrawal from selected activities such as the Croke Park Hours from Monday, October 5th.
The ASTI has made the decision to join the coordinated industrial action alongside other public service unions affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
In addition, ASTI members will participate in a public-service-wide day of strike action on Wednesday, October 14th, with pickets placed on all second-level schools where ASTI members teach.
ASTI General Secretary Linda Kelly said: “Today’s ballot result gives a clear message to the Government about the depth of feeling amongst teachers. Teachers’ pay has fallen significantly behind inflation. Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to climb. The Government’s approach to date has shown scant regard for the day-to-day realities faced by teachers and other public service workers.”
ASTI President Richie Bell said: “Teaching is a core public service, yet teachers are earning less in real-terms. Teaching is no longer seen as a financially sustainable career for many. We are calling on the Government to commit to meaningful negotiations on closing the pay-inflation gap experienced by teachers and other public service workers”.
The ASTI will today serve industrial action notice to the Department of Education and Youth and the relevant second level management bodies. The union will issue an industrial action directive to its members shortly.
ENDS
