INTO Members To Begin Industrial Action From 5 October Ahead Of Proposed 24-Hour Stoppage

The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has directed its members to cease co-operation with Croke Park Hours from Monday, 5 October, and says members will participate in a proposed 24-hour work stoppage on Wednesday, 14 October.

The INTO recently balloted its members for industrial action in response to what it describes as the Government's failure to establish a basis for negotiations on a public sector agreement and related matters. The ballot endorsed industrial action with a 99.5% 'Yes' vote, in what the union says was the largest ballot of primary teachers ever undertaken in its history.

Under the directive issued by the INTO Central Executive Committee (CEC), members will cease co-operation with Croke Park Hours and refrain from attending staff meetings and formal parent/teacher meetings outside of school hours, with effect from Monday, 5 October.

The directive applies to INTO members nationally, including teachers in primary and special schools across Cork. Parents may notice the change in formal parent/teacher meetings, which members have been directed not to attend outside of school hours.

The union says this is the first phase of industrial action, and that the CEC gave serious consideration to the directive as the starting point for action. The INTO is also advising members that they will participate in the proposed 24-hour work stoppage on Wednesday, 14 October.

John Boyle, INTO General Secretary:

"I want members to know that this Directive is merely the first phase of our action. We are already preparing for the 24-hour work stoppage on Wednesday, 14 October. If the Government doesn't acknowledge the first action, we will make it clear to them that we intend to fight – and win – on 14 October."

Mr Boyle also said that approximately 1,000 new members have joined the union in recent weeks.

"There is no equivocation on the part of our union – we are in this to win this. We will secure a fair pay deal for all our members and all public servants, come what may."

Brendan Horan, INTO President:

"I have not seen such enthusiasm amongst our membership in some time. They are ready, willing and able."

Mr Horan added that members in the North are taking a separate, distinct action.

"Likewise, with today's Directive in the South, we are taking our first initial action to lay the path towards a fair pay negotiation with Government that will see teachers in primary and special schools – and, indeed, all of our school staff colleagues and all public servants – paid a wage that means they and their families can live and work in Ireland."

The INTO has not stated in its announcement whether schools will close on 14 October. Cork Safety Alerts will provide an update when further information is available.