ASTI executive refuses to back down

The National Executive of the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland has this decided not to accept peace proposals put forward by the mediator in the row over pay.

At the end of the meeting in a Dublin hotel the union claimed it was on a crusade to safeguard the profession in Ireland.

The ASTI is also sticking to its plan of action that will see the return of stoppages within two weeks and the withdrawal from exams.

It was hoped that the day would see a breakthrough in the row that is now into its third month.

Second level classrooms will be empty again the week after next when teachers start a wave of regional stoppages while from the start of February they will end preparations for the Leaving and Junior Certificate Exams.