Teachers' union backs re-alignment with ICTU

Teachers’ union ASTI is to re-affiliate to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The move, backed by 79% of the union’s members, will benefit both teachers and the education service, according to ASTI general secretary John White.

The call to ballot members was taken at ASTI’s annual convention last Easter, with ballots taking place in all of its 56 branches last week.

“A vibrant committed teaching force is central to the future well-being of our society,” said Mrs White.

“Teachers by the nature of their work are deeply involved with the broader community and this vote of ASTI members to re-affiliate to Congress means that we will be able to work together with the broader trade union movement for the good of teachers and the education service.

“Ireland has a highly respected education service by international standards but second level education ranks only 21st of 29 OECD countries in terms of funding. We will be seeking assistance of Congress to address this.”

ASTI is the main second level teachers’ union in the Republic of Ireland, representing teachers teaching in schools attended by 75% of second level students. They include voluntary secondary schools, community and comprehensive schools and colleges.

Welcoming the outcome of the vote, David Begg, General Secretary of Congress, said he expected that an application to rejoin Congress by ASTI would be dealt with expeditiously by Executive Council of Congress.

“The effectiveness of the trade union movement in bringing about positive social and economic reform is directly related to its internal cohesion and sense of common purpose,” he added.

“Congress represents unions with a combined membership of 770,000. It is the largest civil society organisation in Ireland and the return of the ASTI will further strengthen its position.”