ASTI demand equal pay for teachers

The ASTI is demanding all teachers be treated equally in terms of pay.

The secondary school teachers union is gathering for its annual conference today, but the Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan has not been invited.

Addressing primary school teachers yesterday O'Sullivan urged them to be “realistic” about salary claims ahead of pay negotiations which are set to begin in the coming weeks.

In response, head of the ASTI Pat King has outlined what he sees as realistic expectations.

“Well I think it's realistic to insist that teachers should all be treated equally and that one group of young teachers shouldn't be treated like second class citizens," said King.

“The pay cuts for new, young teachers were imposed by government they were not part of any deal".

“Minister Howlin announced those pay cuts, they were not part of the Haddington Road agreement," added King.