Teachers' view: ‘I’d have more disposable income on social welfare’

The issues on the picket line at schools around the country yesterday were the same — equal pay for recently-hired teachers and meaningful restoration of pay for others.

At Douglas Community School in Cork, nearly two-thirds of a staff of around 40 are members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), the rest being in the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).

One of the ASTI members striking yesterday was Brid O’Dwyer, from near Cahir, Co Tipperary, a teacher of English and history. She started her career in 2013 after completing a three-year degree and a two-year teaching qualification.