Union chief: Government deal a ‘con job’ for teachers

TEACHERS must not be tricked into supporting a “con job” Government deal which “picks up the debts of banking executives” while slashing public sector salaries and essential school services.

Don Ryan, president of the 14,500-strong TUI, said last Tuesday’s pay-cut deal was something “no self-respecting trade union would contemplate”.

The agreement – which will see public sector salaries cut and work hours increased – is being supported by the Irish National Teachers Organisation’s (INTO) executive committee, and has been defended by Taoiseach Brian Cowen as vital to Ireland’s economic recovery.