Teachers warn they will break rules to strike

TEACHERS have warned they will not be prevented from striking over unsafe schools despite being told such action would breach the national pay deal.

Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) general secretary John Carr said the intolerable conditions to which thousands of pupils returned this week compromised the health and safety of themselves and their teachers.

“They have gone back to sit in damp, unsanitary and overcrowded classrooms, many of which have clapped-out heating systems that won’t last the winter. The pupils breathe air that is a health hazard and have to use outdoor toilets,” he said.