Almost all schools to close for second day in coming weeks due to strike

Teachers’ unions will formally serve notice to the Government today of strike dates set on October 14th and 21st after a meeting on Monday to consider escalation of their dispute over a new national pay deal.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) general secretary, John Boyle, said the unions had originally agreed to a one-day strike on the 14th but that the 21st was yet to be decided on.

However, he said the lack of progress since a work-to-rule started last Wednesday had since convinced officials to go ahead with the second strike date.

Mr. Boyle said: “Some of the parents don't understand why we are doing this, but it makes sense to people when you tell them we want these pay talks to be first and foremost about pay.

“People do understand that, including private sector workers and the many parents who are public servants themselves.”

He went on to say: “We have three school weeks of work-to-rule, which is pretty much looking like it is going to be guaranteed. In that period, there’s going to be two school closures.

“So there’s no doubt that by the time the 21st comes, and all these workers across the public service, teachers, nurses, guards have been taking action, the general public is going to be feeling it.”