Teachers plan strike as pay dispute escalates

Primary and Secondary teachers across Cavan and Monaghan will take part in a planned nationwide strike later this month as the running dispute over public sector pay intensifies.

Teachers in INTO and Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) schools have already begun work-to-rule action, and the wider public service strike is set to take place next Wednesday, October 14.

The General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), John Boyle, meanwhile confirmed this week that a second 24-hour strike will go ahead on October 21.

Currently teachers have removed themselves from carrying out additional duties such as supervision before and after school, meetings outside normal hours and certain administrative and communication duties.

The unions are seeking assurances from the government that the rising cost of living will be addressed at the outset of negotiations, rather than after discussions on reform and productivity.

The previous public service pay agreement expired on June 30.