Teachers must not lose sight of real issues
The recently issued, green document by the Central Executive Council of ASTI needs to be read in a critical light because it reflects a particular viewpoint one which I, as a CEC member, do not accept. There is much emotion and several issues, which have little to do with the current proposals before ASTI members, are dragged in to strengthen a weak case.
Keep in mind three crucial points:
1) If the scheme is accepted by ASTI members, no teacher is obliged to enter the scheme. If you don't like the terms, you can opt out.By voting yes you are giving other teachers the freedom to opt in if they so choose.
2) If the scheme proposals are rejected, the Dept of Education and Science will have to put alternative arrangements in place. These will affect both the morale and organisation of our schools.
3) What are the alternatives on? There are no constructive suggestions in the CEC document. It's time we faced up to the fact that the "no" philosophy leads nowhere.
Joe Coy,
Kilbannon Cross,
Tuam,
Co Galway.
