Push to prevent closure of schools by teachers’ industrial action

Plans to prevent the possible closure of secondary schools by teachers’ industrial action are being finalised by Education Minister Richard Bruton’s officials and school managers.

Results of a ballot in which union leaders have recommended its 18,000 members stop doing supervision and substitution work in a dispute over pay for the duties will be announced next month by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland .

With the absence of cover for such work causing a potential health and safety issue, both sides have been meeting for months to prepare for the outcome.