Industrial action on cards if pay is cut, warn teachers

Teachers have sent the Government a clear message that it faces industrial unrest in schools and colleges if it tries to cut their pay.

At all three teacher union conferences, the understanding was spelled out that allowances were intrinsic to pay. It was also made clear that their 65,000-plus members will walk away from the Croke Park deal if Education Minister Ruairi Quinn tries to cut or withdraw the payments.

The minister has indicated he recognises the various allowances, totalling €600m of the annual €3.6bn annual teachers’ pay bill, are different from extra pay given to some public servants.