ASTI may ballot to rejoin congress

THE Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) will consider calling a vote to rejoin the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) at its annual convention later this month.

Such a move could be a significant step in healing old rifts in the 16,500-member union, although many members remain strongly opposed to ICTU membership. The union withdrew from congress, which represents most of the country’s worker organisations, during its controversial pay campaign more than four years ago.

A motion to be debated at the ASTI convention in Cork proposes all members should be balloted on whether to rejoin ICTU, in a composite of motions from seven branches, five in Munster. The wording does not specifically promote reaffiliation but suggests the matter should be decided by the full membership.