TUI to join other teaching unions in industrial action from Monday 

In second-level schools, teachers are withdrawing from activities such as Croke Park hours (hours required outside of school). File picture

Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) members will begin industrial action from Monday, October 12, by not responding to emails and calls outside of working hours.

In second-level schools, they are withdrawing from activities such as Croke Park hours (hours required outside of school).

The TUI joins the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI), who begin campaigns of industrial action from Monday.

Members will also engage in the all-out strike action planned for Wednesday, October 14, and the second strike day planned for Wednesday, October 21, "should it be required".

The union represents more than 23,000 members in post-primary, further, and higher education.

Widespread disruption is expected across the education system as teachers withdraw from participation in non-teaching duties covered by the Croke Park hours.

In a message to its members on Friday, the INTO said it is "unlikely" primary school students will be on school premises outside of normal school hours for the duration of the dispute. Many primary schools use the Croke Park hours to cover pre- and post-school supervision.

Insurers have exhorted school management to notify parents if adequate supervision cannot be provided, as schools "cannot accept responsibility for students under school hours commence", the message said.

This means it is "unlikely" that students will be on school premises outside of normal hours during the dispute and "instead pupils will arrive during official reception time after the school bell rings."

INTO members will also not take part in staff meetings or parent-teacher meetings outside of school hours for the duration of the dispute. Many schools have indicated they intend to hold such meetings during school hours.

"Schools intend to give due notice to parents/guardian that these meetings will proceed during school hours, thereby necessitating early dismissal of pupils."

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it is working with the relevant school management bodies to ensure schools are kept informed of developments.

"It is important that both sides get around the table to work through the issues in dispute. Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side."

industrial action 'unfair'

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure said trade unions and representative associations have made a decision to move to industrial action "rather than engaging in substantive talks, and this action has now commenced across many areas of the public service."

They added: "It is deeply unfair on the general public for there to be significant disruption to their daily lives because unions are unwilling to sit down and negotiate a new agreement."

The spokesperson pointed to comments made by minister Jack Chambers, who said this week: “Over the past number of weeks, I have repeatedly indicated the Government's desire to reach a new agreement. Provision is being made in Budget 2027 for a new pay agreement for public sector workers. I am disappointed by the assertion from ICTU that there is no basis for engagement.

"I have been clear that the Government is willing to discuss the matters raised. However, progress will only be possible if both parties are prepared to engage constructively across the full range of issues, and with a genuine commitment to dialogue. A mutually acceptable agreement could be reached quickly and efficiently if there is a willingness on both sides to do so.”