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.

The debate over equal pay for equal work is not a new one, and it is worth noting that it is a real issue, not just in teaching, but in other professions as well. In fact, in some industries in the private sector during the economic collapse, more experienced staff offered to take a bigger reduction in their own pay rather than see their younger and newer colleagues take the brunt of the cuts. That sense of solidarity and collegiality is a lesson for us all — teachers included