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13/11/2014
Second-Level Teachers Threaten One Day Strikes
The Education Minister is being urged to intervene to prevent strike action by second-level teachers.
Union members from TUI and ASI are threatening one day strikes after rejecting proposals on the Junior Cert reform.
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue TD said teachers are understandably frustrated by the situation, which has been dragging on for more than two years.
He said: "Former Minister Ruairi Quinn mishandled the negotiations from the outset by publishing the initial reform proposals without consultation. His dictatorial and obstinate approach soured relations with the unions and made for a fraught negotiations process.
"Minister O'Sullivan must recognise the fractious environment her predecessor created, and must continue to engage with union leaders to address their outstanding concerns and prevent strike action. There is a very real fear that unless the Minister intervenes directly the unions may vote to act on their mandate to strike before Christmas. This must be avoided.
"I am urging Minister O'Sullivan to act without delay, and ensure that relations between her department and teachers are improved. Her u-turn on the issue of independent assessment provides a strong platform for which to develop a reformed Junior Certificate that will serve students well, however it is essential that the teachers unions remain engaged in the process."
(CD/MH)
Union members from TUI and ASI are threatening one day strikes after rejecting proposals on the Junior Cert reform.
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue TD said teachers are understandably frustrated by the situation, which has been dragging on for more than two years.
He said: "Former Minister Ruairi Quinn mishandled the negotiations from the outset by publishing the initial reform proposals without consultation. His dictatorial and obstinate approach soured relations with the unions and made for a fraught negotiations process.
"Minister O'Sullivan must recognise the fractious environment her predecessor created, and must continue to engage with union leaders to address their outstanding concerns and prevent strike action. There is a very real fear that unless the Minister intervenes directly the unions may vote to act on their mandate to strike before Christmas. This must be avoided.
"I am urging Minister O'Sullivan to act without delay, and ensure that relations between her department and teachers are improved. Her u-turn on the issue of independent assessment provides a strong platform for which to develop a reformed Junior Certificate that will serve students well, however it is essential that the teachers unions remain engaged in the process."
(CD/MH)
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