Teachers defy union to accept pay deal

SECONDARY school teachers have overruled their union and voted to accept the Government’s supervision and substitution deal.

Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) voted 59% to 41% in favour of the Government’s €38-per-hour offer. The result is a major blow to the union’s central executive council (CEC) which had recommended rejection of the package. Last year, ASTI members endorsed the supervision deal by 63% to 37%.

Last night’s result, based on a 54% turnout, brings to an end a dispute that has dragged on for almost four years and closed schools during 2001. Since ASTI members withdrew from supervision and substitution a year ago, non-teaching staff have been paid over 36 million to do the work in around 400 secondary schools.

ASTI general secretary Charlie Lennon said the hope now is to have members who want to take up the work begin before the end of the school year.

“Most schools were ready to implement the scheme before we decided to have another vote, so we will be asking the Department of Education to get it in operation as quickly as possible,” he said.

As well as being a blow to hardliners among the ASTI leadership, the result is a boost to Education Minister Noel Dempsey. He risked political embarrassment if the scheme was rejected, after holding information meetings for teachers about the package in the weeks ahead of voting.

Mr Dempsey, who is in Australia with President Mary McAleese, said the decision was in the best interest of students.

“The last three years have been a difficult time for all involved in second-level education and relationships need to be rebuilt. This is the starting point in moving forward together to address the challenges which are facing us in the education system,” he said.

ASTI vice-president candidate Paddy Mulcahy said there are serious issues which must be addressed urgently, such as part-time workers legislation and representation for the union in considering public service pensions.

National Parents Council (Post Primary) president Michael O’Regan said it was time teachers got back to doing what they do best.

“This went on far too long and exam students over the last few years have definitely felt the effect,” he said.

Jim Dorney, general secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland, said last night: “We look forward to working with the ASTI in implementing the agreement.”

Michael McCann, president of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals welcomed the result. He said members had worked hard to keep schools running during the dispute and they should be compensated.