Jobs ‘risk’ as junior cycle row intensifies

Pressure over the deepening junior cycle row is putting some second-level teachers in danger of losing their jobs, it has been claimed.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) annual convention this week affirmed its opposition to the current reform proposals around the junior cycle, which counterparts in Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) have been implementing since September. However, since the two unions voted differently on the system, the situation has led to difficulties for ASTI members at some schools.

Of more than 730 second-level schools, most are staffed by members of one union or another. But at more than 90 community or comprehensive schools, and around 70 of the 260 second-level schools managed by education and training boards (ETBs), staff include members of both ASTI and TUI.