ASTI to fill disputed post

THE Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland is set to appoint a general secretary, more than a year after Charlie Lennon resigned from the job.

The union has asked a human resources consultant to help shortlist candidates, making senior figures in the 17,000-member organisation hopeful that the job could be filled in weeks.

“We should aim to make an appointment before our annual convention at the end of March. But if somebody working elsewhere gets the job, it could be difficult because of the need to give notice to another employer,” a source said.

An interview board, comprising of the union’s elected officers and five members chosen by the central executive committee, met before Christmas. It is expected to present criteria for the post to the consultant at a further meeting next week, with the job likely to be advertised soon after.

Acting general secretary John White is considered a likely replacement among many senior ASTI figures but a number of prominent members, including former presidents Pat Cahill and Bernadine O’Sullivan, have also declared their interest.

Mr Lennon resigned in December 2003 after a dispute with elected officers ended in the High Court.

A Labour Relations Commission’s advisory services division report later recommended a clearer definition of the roles of the general secretary and elected officers, and was accepted by standing committee in October.

However, in a letter to the LRC last month, officers told the commission its facilitation services were no longer required.

At a meeting to discuss the issue yesterday, the standing committee decided that the officers would meet with SIPTU and National Union of Journalists officials representing ASTI’s 23 staff.