ASTI Conference: Delegates told to take ‘heads out of the sand’

The need to take “heads out of the sand” and stem the flow of members with a clear strategy in disputes on pay and the junior cycle forced a change to the timetable at a teacher union conference.

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) convention delegates were told it was being overtaken by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) in a number of schools as a result of restrictions placed on ASTI members getting more secure contracts and pay improvements.

ASTI president Ed Byrne rejected suggestions it has been hemorrhaging members in recent months, particularly in the community and comprehensive school where staff can be represented by either union.