Teachers' strike announced for January 22

A second day of strike action for teachers in the row over Junior Cycle reform has been announced for January 22.

The executives of the ASTI and the TUI met earlier today in a rare joint meeting to decide how to proceed in the ongoing row over reform of the Junior Cert.

They have now decided to proceed with another day's strike. They will also take an additional day of strike action on a date which has not yet been announced.

In a statement, TUI President Gerry Quinn said his members remain “resolute in their opposition to the move” - which he says threatens educational standards.

While ASTI President Philipp Irwin said “it’s unfair to claim teachers haven’t moved” in talks with the Department.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan had asked the unions to return to talks next week over the dispute, which has already led to a day of action earlier this month.

The unions may still meet with the Minister in an effort to avoid the planned strike - they said today they are still open to talks.

Around 350,000 students were affected during the last day of action.