Teachers in strike threat over plan for 12-month class schedule

Hundreds of teachers have threatened to use all options “including strike action” in a bid to derail Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s plans for some to work throughout summer as part of a new year-long further education system.

In a formal response to Mr Quinn’s plan for a 12-month class schedule, which means some teachers will work over summer and take other months off instead, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland said what it believes is an attack on its 16,000-strong membership’s terms and conditions will not be implemented without a fight.

Under the Labour TD’s proposed policy, the further education system will be extended from the traditional September to May schedule to an all-year schedule.