Collins denies split among ASTI members

The general secretary of the ASTI has insisted that those members criticising the union's leadership are in a minority and are 'not representative'.

Charlie Collins was responding to allegations of a split amongst ASTI members over the way the leadership is progressing the pay claim.

He said that in recent weeks, there had been many anonymous leaflets circulated throughout the union's membership which made claims about the leadership over the past few years.

Mr Collins said these documents "do not reflect the reality of what happened".

"This was unhelpful, was damaging the position of the union and status of the union's officers and really has to stop," he said.