Pickets expected outside schools as 20,000 teachers prepare for second strike

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has directed its members to take part in a second public service strike day on Wednesday, October 21. Picture: PA

Pickets are expected to be placed outside second-level schools across the country on two days in October as 20,000 second-level teachers are directed to take part in a second day of strike action.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has directed its members to take part in a second public service strike day on Wednesday, October 21.

More than 100,000 public sector workers began industrial action at the beginning of October, ahead of a planned strike on Wednesday, October 14.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has also directed its members to take part in two days of strike action.

The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) is also due to begin industrial action on October 12.

In a message to ASTI members today, ASTI General Secretary Linda Kelly said Budget 2027 would not resolve the current pay dispute.

“The provision of €1.2bn in Budget 2027 does not suggest the Government is prepared to negotiate a deal that teachers could consider credible in current circumstances. Wages fell behind prices by 5% as a result of the peak inflationary period between 2021 and 2025 and have fallen further behind in 2026.” 

Teachers’ industrial action 

ASTI members began their ongoing campaign of industrial action on Monday, October 5, including withdrawing from non-teaching activities such as the Croke Park hours.

Announcing Budget 2027, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said industrial action in the public service had been ongoing for almost a week.

“While I understand the strength of feeling, every effort should be made to avoid further disruption of services to the public.” He added: “I have made significant provision in today's Budget package for public service pay.”

 - Jess Casey, education correspondent