Teacher unions to eye steps in pay deal crux

SECOND-level unions will consider crucial next steps this week in an industrial relations crux that could lead to disruption in schools over the coming months unless quick progress can be made.

Although ballots before the summer of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) rejected the Croke Park public service pay deal – which was subsequently accepted by the majority of affected unions – they have held exploratory talks about the situation with the Department of Education this month.

While stressing that such talks are without prejudice to their ballot results, it is understood that any department proposals which might emerge from discussions could be put to fresh ballots of both unions.