£66.7m package for teachers faces union opposition

THE Government's £66.7 million offer of improved pay and conditions for the State's 40,000 teachers is running into significant opposition among second level unions, which will decide today whether to put the package to their members for ballot.

The complex package finalised by the unions and Government yesterday provides for pay increases of at least 3 per cent for more than 20,000 teachers, as well as an average increases of 28 per cent in allowances. All teachers would be allowed to retire at 55 provided they have 35 years' service, and 3,500 extra promotional posts with specific responsibilities would be created.

In return, teachers would agree to a revamped management structure in schools, the curtailment of promotion on the basis of seniority, an extra 15 hours a year for non teaching activities, and guaranteed cover for absent colleagues.

However, last night, sources in the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) expressed uncertainty about the reaction of members to the proposed changes. Today's executive meetings are likely to send the package forward to be balloted by the membership, but may not include a specific recommendation for acceptance.

The largest union, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, is expected to recommend the deal. It starts balloting next Monday and a result is expected within three weeks.

The Minister for Education said the package was a "genuine and fair response" to union claims, which would greatly benefit the education system. "Parents will feel the difference in the running of their children's schools when real posts with real responsibilities attached are created."

Ms Breatbnach said the proposal to allow 300 teachers to retire early each year would present an opportunity to many teachers who wished to make a "dignified exit" from the profession. "It will also allow us to bring in some new blood."

She defended the package against criticism that it is too expensive.

The 40 page document contains no reference to reductions in teaching hours for post holders, a union demand which delayed the completion of the talks. The ASTI general secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon, said it was "incredibly short sighted" of the Minister to propose changes in the duties of post holders and not give them the time in which to do these.

The other outstanding issue promotions in vocational schools was resolved after the TUI and the Irish Vocational Education Association agreed to hold talks on the matter.

The general secretary of the INTO, Senator Joe O'Toole, said the deal would prove "challenging and painful" for teachers. "Overall, it is more the light at the end of a dark tunnel rather than gold at the end of the rainbow."