Teaching unions meet to discuss response to pension levy

The main teaching unions are meeting today in an effort to agree a co-ordinated response to the controversial pension levy being imposed on all public servants.

The three main teaching unions - the TUI, the ASTI and the INTO - have already agreed to ballot their members for industrial action as part of a campaign against the measure.

Speaking ahead of today's meeting, ASTI general secretary John White said his members understood the reality of the economic crisis, but felt the pension levy was unfairly targeting ordinary public-sector workers.

Several other unions are also campaigning against the levy, with the CPSU balloting its members for industrial action and IMPACT organising a nationwide lobby of local TDs.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is also planning a national day of demonstration next weekend.