Parents across Thurles and County Tipperary are being advised to prepare for possible school closures on Wednesday, October 14, as teachers and other public-sector workers plan a nationwide 24-hour strike.
Primary teachers represented by the INTO and secondary teachers represented by the ASTI are due to begin work-to-rule action from Monday, October 5th, before joining the wider public-service strike on October 14th if the dispute remains unresolved.
The action is linked to the continuing dispute over a new public-sector pay agreement. The previous agreement expired at the end of June, with unions seeking assurances that cost-of-living pressures will be addressed as part of negotiations.
Some schools have already contacted parents warning that disruption is likely. The work-to-rule may also affect duties carried out by teachers outside normal contracted hours, including some early-morning supervision arrangements. Schools affected by changes to supervision are expected to communicate directly with parents.
Formal parent-teacher meetings and other activities normally carried out using additional “Croke Park hours” may also be affected by the industrial action.
Union leaders told Public Expenditure Minister Mr Jack Chambers this week that there is currently “no basis” for entering negotiations under the existing framework. The Government says it remains willing to enter talks, including without preconditions, and says any new agreement must be affordable and sustainable.
If the planned October 14th strike proceeds, schools in Thurles, across Tipperary and throughout the country could face widespread closures, although parents should await confirmation directly from their child’s school.
Further updates are expected as talks between unions and the Government continue.
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