Westmeath schools impacted as teachers take industrial action

Teachers across Westmeath and the country have begun a work-to-rule as part of an ongoing dispute over public sector pay.

Members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) voted by overwhelming majorities in favour of industrial action.

For ASTI and INTO members, the work-to-rule begins yesterday (Monday, October 5) while TUI members will begin their action on Monday, October 12.

The unions say the Government has failed to engage meaningfully on a new public service pay agreement since the previous deal expired on June 30.

Under the work-to-rule, teachers will work only their contracted hours. They will not supervise pupils who arrive at school early or remain after the end of the school day.

Parent-teacher meetings will also have to take place during normal school hours.

The industrial action is set to escalate later this month, with a full strike planned for Wednesday, October 14. The action would result in the closure of schools across the country.

INTO General Secretary John Boyle has said he expects the October 14 strike to proceed, while a second day of strike action is likely to be put to members for approval for October 21.

The unions maintain that further industrial action is necessary to secure progress on a new pay agreement, while the dispute has raised concerns about disruption for pupils, parents and schools during the autumn term.