Talks fail to halt ASTI walkout

Frantic 11th-hour negotiations between the Government and teachers have failed to prevent yet another ASTI walkout today.

More than 17,000 teachers will withdraw their services for the first day of a three-day strike following more violent student protests yesterday.

However, a late-night appeal by Labour Court chairman Finbarr Flood could mean that the remaining two days of the three-day action are deferred.

Mr Flood pleaded with the ASTI to call off the strike to allow discussions, which he said were making progress, to continue in a constructive atmosphere.

ASTI’s standing committee of 22 members will consider the request at 10.30am today in advance of the Labour Court discussions, resuming at noon.