ASTI to ballot members on strike action as teachers 'working for less in real terms'

ASTI general secretary Kieran Christie said the ballot comes as concern is growing among members. Picture: Don MacMonagle

The ASTI will ballot its members on industrial action, up to and including strike action, following the expiry of the public service pay agreement and a breakdown in exploratory talks between unions and the Government.

The move is part of a co-ordinated campaign by public sector unions affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). 

Last week, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) announced it was to ballot its members for potential industrial action that could see teachers suspend their involvement in and co-operation with new Leaving Cert assessments.

ASTI general secretary Kieran Christie accused the Government of failing to honour commitments made to teachers to pay a 1% salary increase under Senior Cycle redevelopment measures, which were accepted by ASTI members.

“The value of the 1% pay increases paid to public servants in February and June this year has already been eroded by inflation, leaving teachers and other public servants working for less in real terms,” said Mr Christie.

ASTI president Richie Bell said that, if members back industrial action, one option available to the union would be to suspend its involvement in, and co-operation with, elements of Senior Cycle redevelopment measures.

“ASTI members have shown good faith in engaging with significant reform and change through the years,” said Mr Bell.

“In return they are entitled to fair pay and genuine engagement from the Government rather than delay and inaction.” 

 The ASTI ballot seeks members’ mandate for industrial action in order:

• To secure an acceptable increase in pay covering July to December 2026, and acceptable pay increases for 2027 and/ or the duration of any proposed pay agreement;
• To secure the full implementation of claims agreed under the 3% local bargaining clause of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 which were not implemented before the agreement expired;
• Resist any imposition of changes to work practices, the organisation of work or organisational structures without the agreement of the union.

Mr Christie said the way to “avoid industrial action is straightforward”.

“The Government must come to the table with a serious position on pay, honour existing commitments, and negotiate a fair settlement,” said Mr Christie.

“The ASTI stands ready to do that.” 

 The ASTI ballot will take place in September with the result due later in the month.