No sign of breakthrough in ASTI row, with first strike due on Thursday
The country's largest secondary teachers' union is closing in on a strike.
ASTI members are to walk off the job next Thursday for the first of seven days of stoppages.
The strike action will go ahead unless resumed talks with the Department of Education next Monday bring about any breakthrough or temporary postponement of the two-pronged industrial action by the union’s 18,000 members.
As well at the walk-outs starting next Thursday, ASTI members will withdraw support from substitution and supervision from Monday, November 7.
More than 70 out of almost 100 community and comprehensive schools have advertised they will need temporary staff to supervise students during breaks and other times when ASTI members would ordinarily be rostered to do so.
It is unclear how temporary teachers will be inducted into their responsibilities without the cooperation of ASTI members.
The ASTI will not allow members who are principals or in other management roles cooperate with the contingency plans.
