Minister warns of penalties if teachers strike

The education minister has warned teachers they could face consequences if they engage in strike action after secondary school teachers backed a motion in favour of a ballot for industrial action if the issue of equal pay is not addressed by May.

Richard Bruton said there was a provision in the public service pay agreement that could lead to penalties if teachers breached the terms. He said this could mean financial penalties.

He was at the annual convention of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) in Cork yesterday where he received a somewhat hostile reception. Placards demanding equal pay for equal work heralded his arrival and were carried into the convention centre and held aloft. Mr Bruton was heckled throughout his speech as delegates made clear they wanted an end to a two-tier pay system that sees teachers who entered the profession since 2011 paid less than their colleagues.