Second-level teachers represented by the ASTI have voted decisively in favour of industrial action amid ongoing delays in securing a new public sector pay agreement.
In the ballot, 95% of participating ASTI members supported industrial action, including the possibility of strike action, while 5% voted against. Turnout was 56%.
Up to 20,000 ASTI teachers are expected to begin initial industrial action from Monday, 5 October. This will include withdrawing from selected duties, such as the Croke Park Hours.
The dispute is set to escalate further on 14 October, when ASTI members are due to take strike action alongside other public sector unions.
ASTI General Secretary Linda Kelly said the result reflected strong frustration among teachers over pay and the rising cost of living. She said teachers’ earnings had fallen behind inflation and argued that the Government had failed to adequately recognise the financial pressures facing teachers and other public service workers.
Public sector unions have criticised the Government for what they say is a failure to make a meaningful pay offer.
The previous public sector pay agreement expired on June 30th, with formal negotiations on a replacement deal yet to begin.
The Department of Public Expenditure, however, criticised the decision to proceed with industrial action, saying unions and representative bodies had chosen disruption rather than substantive negotiations.
A department spokesperson said officials remained available for talks and called for engagement without further delay, adding that progress would require sustained and constructive discussions from both sides.
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