Primary and Secondary school teachers could strike if two-tier pay stays

Teachers say there could be a strike if the two-tier pay system is not abolished.

The new pay system sees new teachers receiving less pay than those hired before 2011. Teachers say it is unfair that new teachers do the same work for less pay and that changes have to be made. LGBT teachers sometimes feel 'unwelcome and isolated' in schools, says union

LGBT teachers sometimes feel 'unwelcome and isolated' in schools, says union

Secondary teachers have said that they will strike if Primary school teachers join them. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) indicated it would take action if primary school teachers also hold a vote for industrial action. This comes after the Government recently rejected proposals for ending the two-tier pay system. back to school

According to the Irish Times, ASTI President Breda Lynch said;

"It is unacceptable that in 2019 we expect a cohort of teachers to do the same work as their colleagues for inferior pay which will lead to substantial losses over their careers. We are committed to ending this discriminatory treatment."

The new pay system is one of several problems facing new teachers. Many have also brought up the issue of being left in limbo with no permanent contracts. With Junior and Leaving cert mock exams only around the corner, many parents will be watching closely to see what happens next.