Warning of ballot box backlash over inflicted ‘misery’ on education sector

A union representing 16,000 second-level teachers and Institute of Technology lecturers has warned Government to expect a ballot box backlash next month as a direct result of the “misery” that has been inflicted on the sector.

Teachers’ Union of Ireland president Gerard Craughwell issued the call for action on the first day of the group’s annual general meeting, warning there was a “heavy price” to pay for politicians who “fail the trade union movement”.

Speaking to delegates in Kilkenny, the senior official hit out at Fine Gael and Labour’s policies since they entered into a coalition government in spring 2011.