Quinn faces Shatter-esque walkout at conference

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn faces a “Shatter-esque” union walkout today, after one of the country’s strongest teachers unions insisted it will reject the new Croke Park deal.

The senior Labour minister is due to attend the second day of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland annual general meeting this afternoon, with gaining support for the money saving deal high on his agenda.

However, during a near four-hour debate on the subject yesterday, the vast majority of the union’s members insisted they will rip up the proposals when given the opportunity.

And the Government has been warned to brace itself for an education-sector repeat of last week’s stand-off between Justice Minister Alan Shatter and senior Garda representatives.

The result of the ASTI postal ballot on the Croke Park II deal, which would see teachers suffer more pay cuts and face longer working days, among other issues, will not be known until Friday, Apr 12.

However, yesterday’s motion to reject the controversial agreement saw over 200 members present confirm they will bin the plan — with just two stating they will vote in favour.

“This guy [Ruairi Quinn] wants to rob you, he wants to take your money,” warned Dublin North East member Andrew Phelan, who said Croke Park II must be rejected.

Incoming union president Sally Maguire raised concerns over the impact any acceptance of the deal will have on younger teachers trying to find steady work, and more vulnerable pupils in the system. Describing schools as being in a “state of chassis”, she said the fear is that “the vulnerable will be hit the hardest”.

“This minister is destroying education — at a primary, secondary and tertiary level,” said retired member, Pat Cahill. “We should give him the welcome gardaí gave their minister.”