A proposal to create a single union – similar to the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation at primary level – was first floated by senior TUI officials in the context of discussions over sectoral bargaining in the current pay deal.This gives unions the flexibility to use a fund equivalent to 1 per cent of basic pay to resolve outstanding pay-related issues.
The ASTI is seeking to restore increments frozen for members when the union was involved in industrial action in 2016-17 over a number of issues including the need to work additional “Croke Park” hours under the then public pay deal. It is understood that the TUI proposed to agree to the use of remaining funds in the sectoral bargaining process for this purpose if the ASTI agreed to a merger or amalgamation of the two unions.The belief in TUI circles is that while its members would not benefit immediately, all members would benefit in the longer-term as part of a stronger union.An ASTI source said the proposal is still being examined. “We’re not jumping for joy about it, but it hasn’t been ruled out either.
Traditionally, the ASTI represented the interests of teachers in voluntary secondary schools – mostly run by religious orders – while the TUI represented teachers in vocational, community and comprehensive schools.
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Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »