Union demands: No compromise

The three teacher union annual conferences got underway this week, with delegates showing little by way of compromise on what they see as red-line issues.

Delegates to the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland conference have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a ballot on industrial action up to and including strike action in pursuit of equal pay for new entrants to the teaching profession.

The issue concerning lower pay for younger teachers is also exercising the Teachers Union of Ireland and the Irish National Teachers Organisation at their annual conferences.