13/03/2009

Primary Teachers To Mount Strike

Primary school teachers have announced plans for a one-day strike at the end of this month (30 March) to protest against the Government's handling of the economic crisis.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said its Executive Committee will also examine proposals for a work to rule and withdrawal from additional work in schools.

INTO said the union's call for industrial action was backed by 79% of primary teachers in the country's 3,200 primary schools.

Speaking in advance of this morning's meeting, INTO General Secretary John Carr said the size of the vote in favour of action showed the depth of anger among teachers at the government's decision to walk away from social partnership.

"The dictatorial imposition of pay cuts dressed up as a pension levy on teachers and other public servants only has greatly angered primary teachers," said Mr Carr. "This added to the abandoning of negotiated pay increases will see some teachers losing up to 20% of salary before any budget changes are imposed next month."

The teachers' union says it will engage in the action if the Government fails to re-engage with the ICTU on an economic recovery plan based on fairness and equity.

The INTO, whose members will have to pay the controversial pension levy being imposed on public-sector employees, is also considering a work-to-rule protest in Ireland's 3,000 primary schools.

(DW/BMcC)

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