27,000 teachers send message to Minister for Education:
No implementation without agreement
The ASTI and TUI today warned that further industrial action over Junior Cycle is inevitable if the Minister continues to implement proposals which do not have the support of second-level teachers.
Speaking ahead of today’s lunchtime protest, which involves up to 27,000 second-level teachers, ASTI President Philip Irwin and TUI President Gerry Quinn said intensive talks regarding resources, assessment and other identified issues are the only way to resolve the current dispute.
Gerry Quinn, TUI President said: “Teachers have demonstrated a huge level of determination throughout this campaign for educational quality, equity and progress at Junior Cycle. This determination will continue for however long it takes to reach an agreement. We are grateful to the public for the strong level of support they have given us and we are committed to securing a resolution which will benefit students, parents and teachers.”
ASTI President Philip Irwin said: “Teachers have moved away from reliance on a single terminal exam and are willing to take on many of the new approaches being proposed. However, teachers still have deep concerns about aspects of the Framework for Junior Cycle. It is extraordinary that the Minister is proceeding with implementation without the support of teachers. A continuation of this approach would mean that further industrial action is inevitable. We believe a resolution is within reach, but it requires further intensive engagement between the teacher unions and the Department.”
The protest follows two days of strike action by 27,000 ASTI and TUI members in recent months – December 2nd 2014 and January 22nd 2015. Today’s protest does not affect students’ class time.