Poll a slap in face for ASTI executive

THE surprise vote

It vindicates Education Minister Noel Dempsey’s courageous decision to embark on a countrywide tour to convince teachers to buy the deal worth 1,423 a year for up to 37 hours’ work.

But for the leaders of the 17,000-strong secondary union, who urged its rejection, it marks an embarrassing defeat. Winds of change are blowing through the organisation in the wake of its failed campaign for a 30% pay rise involving a series of strikes which set the ASTI on a collision course with parents and pupils.