Teachers to stage two 24-hour strikes as public sector pay dispute escalates
The INTO began its campaign of industrial action on Monday as teachers withdrew from participation in Croke Park hours as part of a work-to-rule.
Thousands of primary schools are set to close for two days this month as teachers have been directed by their union to take part in two 24-hour strikes in an escalation of a dispute over pay.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has directed its members to take part in two 24-hour strike days, on Wednesday, October 14, and Wednesday, October 21.
It's anticipated the action will impact more than 3,000 primary schools.
The INTO began its campaign of industrial action on Monday as teachers withdrew from participation in Croke Park hours as part of a work-to-rule.
Industrial action across the public sector, initiated after delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal, began at the beginning of the month.
Both the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers' Union of Ireland are also undertaking industrial action over pay.
A public service-wide day of strike action is planned for Wednesday, October 14.
John Boyle INTO general secretary said the “blame for this escalation” is on the shoulders of Government and Minister Jack Chambers.
“He and his cabinet colleagues have been quick to respond to big business lobby groups, unelected protestors, housing developers and the hospitality sector over the last 12 months, yet they have failed to engage in good faith with the elected representatives of the workers of Ireland."
He added: “Furthermore, Minister Chambers and his officials have failed to honour in full commitments made to state employees in the last agreement.”
“Over the period of three months of ignoring unions, the Minister has not been able to convince public servants that he is taking seriously the significant financial pressures that workers and their families face.
“It’s frankly a disgrace that Minister Chambers has allowed the situation to escalate to this point where we are on the verge of a first national strike in 17 years."
Announcing Budget 2027, the public expenditure minister Jack Chambers said industrial action in the public service had been ongoing for almost a week.
"While I understand the strength of feeling, every effort should be made to avoid further disruption of services to the public.” He added: "I have made significant provision in today's Budget package for public service pay.”
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