Teacher union told how to get house in order

THE role of elected officers in the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) should be defined more clearly and grievance procedures reviewed, according to a review of industrial relations at the union’s head office.

The Labour Relations Commission’s Advisory Services Division (ASD) carried out the review after the Labour Court ordered the union to get its house in order last November. The court had heard complaints of bullying and stress suffered by the union’s 23 staff, but elected officers did not attend the hearing on legal advice.

In discussions with both sides, the ASD heard there was a lack of clarity of management function and structures, ineffective grievance procedures, poor workplace atmosphere and ineffective communication between staff and officers. The review involved discussions last spring with then ASTI president Pat Cahill; his successor Susie Hall; honorary treasurer Patricia Wroe and all staff members.