A testing time ahead for teachers' pay deal

THE PRICE is high but so are the stakes. The Government's £66.7 million offer is as much a recognition of the industrial muscle of the teacher unions as of the need for change in Irish education.

For the first time, the unions have offered increased productivity and changes in work practices in exchange for more money and early retirement. In return, they have extracted a sum from the Government which easily exceeds the £30 million available under the PCW or the £20 million offered to the nurses.

Even during the two years of negotiations, the unions managed to scupper or dilute many of the Government's proposals for a quid pro quo. The suggestion that new teachers start on lower salaries was dropped and the original proposal that teachers put in an additional 40 hours a year was watered down to 15 hours.

The package is a cleverly crafted concoction which offers "goodies" to most teachers. More than 20,000 with more than seven years' experience will get pay rises of at least £588 a year 19,000 post holders will see their allowances increase by 28 per cent 10,000 non degree holders will get a degree allowance.

However, there are already signs that the deal could be rejected by second level teachers. The Dublin branch of the TUI has launched a campaign throughout the State for its rejection and the ASTI's executive council meeting today will hear similar calls.

If properly and fully implemented, the package could revolutionise the running of Irish schools which largely explains the opposition of some teachers. At present, posts of responsibility in primary and secondary schools are filled on the basis of seniority, with no responsibilities attached. The current package makes sweeping proposals for open competition for posts and promotion on merit.

Both the ASTI and the TUI passed motions at their annual conferences last year opposing any deal which would worsen the working conditions of teachers. The leadership of the two unions may now face a serious fight to gain approval for the package.

Main points

. Early retirement for 300 teachers a year

. £1,000 a year extra for teachers with more than 35 years' service

. 9,000 teachers to qualify for allowances for the first time

. Pay rises for more than 20,000 teachers above the seventh point on the incremental pay scale

. 3,600 extra management posts to be created

. A and B posts to be replaced by assistant principal and special duties teacher grades

. Teachers to put in 15 hours a year extra on non teaching activities.