Primary school teachers represented by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) are set to begin industrial action on October 5th, amid delays in securing a new public sector pay agreement.
The action will begin with a work-to-rule, with members also due to join other public sector workers in a proposed nationwide strike on Wednesday, October 14th next.
According to the INTO, members in primary and special schools will restrict their work to contracted daily teaching hours. They will withdraw co-operation with additional hours, including those introduced under the Croke Park Agreement, until further notice.
The decision follows a ballot in which 99.5% of participating members supported industrial action. Turnout stood at 57.5%.
INTO General Secretary Mr John Boyle said the result demonstrated a strong mandate from teachers facing financial pressures. He said uncertainty over salaries, alongside the cost-of-living crisis, was fuelling members’ frustration.
The INTO is the latest public sector union to support industrial action, accusing the Government of failing to put forward a meaningful pay offer.
The previous public sector pay agreement expired on June 30th, and formal negotiations on a replacement have yet to begin.
Responding to the announcement, the Department of Public Expenditure expressed disappointment that unions had not taken opportunities to engage in recent weeks.
A spokesperson urged both sides to return to negotiations, saying progress towards a new agreement would require constructive, sustained engagement without preconditions.
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