Speaking on today’s ICTU organised National Day of Protest, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin issued a stark reminder that many teachers, like other workers,  are struggling to make ends meet as a result of salary and contract cuts. In addition to this, it is estimated that 900 teaching jobs have been lost at second level as a result of eduation cutbacks.

TUI endorses ICTU’s view that to cut peoples' incomes in a recession invites economic freefall and to impose the greatest burden on low and middle income earners is unjust.

Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:

“It is estimated that 900 teaching jobs have been lost at second level and thousands of other teachers, many not on full hours, are experiencing financial difficulties.

Teachers and lecturers have already been hit by a hefty salary cut in the form of the so-called pension levy payable by those in the public service, in addition to tax, existing pension, PRSI income and health contributions

There is a false perception that all teachers are on permanent contracts of full hours and enjoy security of tenure. Many commentators propagate the myth that these workers have been somehow insulated from our current economic hardship and are suitable candidates to take more pain.

We say that they have already taken too much.

TUI represents thousands of teachers on part-time hours who have suffered the double blow of having their salaries cut due to levies and their working hours cut as a result of staffing ratio changes.

Many have made contact with us stating that they are now suffering extreme financial difficulties as a result of the cut in their take-home pay. They made financial commitments based upon a reasonable and fair expectation of what their salary would be in the coming years and now they are literally struggling to make ends meet. They are hurt and angry at how their livelihood – which serves the public - has been vilified in a sustained nefarious campaign by certain commentators.

If a part time teacher is laid off, we would estimate that the saving to the State is in the region of just €5,000 when subsequent social welfare payments and lack of taxation income are factored in.

We fully endorse the ICTU’s 10 Point Plan which outlines the key measures that Congress believes should be central to any attempt to address the crisis in a manner that is both equitable and fair.”