Labour Court 'appalled' by ASTI's continuing action

The Labour Court has said it is "appalled" by the decision of secondary teachers to press with their three-day strike - despite…

The Labour Court has said it is "appalled" by the decision of secondary teachers to press with their three-day strike - despite "continuing court discussions".

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern has also issued a statement fully endorsing the court's demand for the strikes to be called off.

He also called for the suspension of strikes and the resumption of negotiations "with a view to reaching a resolution to the current dispute for the sake of everyone involved, especially the students".

The planned three-day strike by ASTI members is set to go ahead, according to the general secretary of the ASTI, Mr Charlie Lennon. Speaking outside the Labour court today Mr Lennon said there "was no chance whatsoever" of the strike being called off.

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 Charlie Lennon
ASTI General Secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon

The ASTI announcement comes as talks this evening between teachers and the Government ended inconclusively. There will be no picketing of schools throughout the country due to the ongoing foot and mouth crisis.

"Strike action will go ahead as planned for the next three days. In view of foot-and-mouth, there will be no picketing on schools," an ASTI statement said.

The Government has continued to rule out a "down payment" for teachers, rejecting the possibility of paying teachers £2,000 for supervision, while teachers have refused to yield in their demands.

Without a deal by the end of today the ASTI has resolved to resume its strike action tomorrow.

Three consecutive days of industrial action starting tomorrow will only be averted if a deal is struck by this evening.

The Government and ASTI are observing a media blackout on the dispute but a statement from the Labour Court last night said: "Discussions have continued throughout the day. However major differences continue to exist between the parties.

"The discussions have not been helped by some recent media statements in relation to possible solutions to the dispute. The hearing has been adjourned and both sides have been asked to consider a number of issues put to them by the court."

Earlier today, ten students were arrested on public order offences following further protest marches through Dublin city.

Eighteen students were arrested around the country last Friday during similar protests at the ongoing dispute between the ASTI and the Government.