Teacher fury over IBEC criticism of pay awards

THE two teacher unions which took part in the benchmarking process have lashed out at business leaders for trying to interfere with the payment of awards.

Talks are due to begin soon on implementing the public sector pay increases recommended by the Benchmarking Body report in June, including a 13% rise for primary and second level teachers.

Employers group IBEC said it would be inappropriate for the Government to spend money on benchmarking and end up claiming back the cost with higher taxes. Teachers Union of Ireland president Derek Dunne said this, and small and medium-size business group ISME’s call for a cap on public sector pay, were unacceptable.

“Whinging at the outcome of the benchmarking process simply because public servants were awarded moderate but fully justified increases is deplorable,” he said.

Mr Dunne said the employers’ response to the Benchmarking Body recommendations was underpinned by greed, selfishness and self-interest.

“Members of IBEC have benefited hugely by the Celtic Tiger economy. Enormous profits generated great wealth for many of those it represents.” The Irish National Teachers Organisation, representing about 22,000 people, reacted to the IBEC call with equal fury.

“Threats to impose a pay freeze on public servants will just not be tolerated by workers.

“The benchmarking award is a pay rise to bring public sector workers up to the same levels as the private sector,” said INTO general secretary John Carr. He said IBEC members would do better ensuring their own members took a pay freeze until they got their house in order.