Teachers warn 'serious erosion of our standard of living' is threatening industrial harmony

Joe McKeown (right), president of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation speaking to delegates at the union's annual congress in Killarney on Monday. He warned pay increases alone will not solve teachers' issues. Picture: Moya Nolan

Record inflation and worsening living standards are threatening industrial harmony, teachers' unions are warning.

Hundreds of teachers will this week meet for the first in-person annual congresses since 2019, with the spiralling cost of living topping the agenda. They are seeking pay increases to match inflation, warning many teachers are unable to secure mortgages or pay rent on current salaries.