MORE than 800,000 first and second level schoolchildren return to school today to the threat of widespread industrial action in two separate disputes.
The more immediate threat is at primary level. The national executive of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) is meeting today in special session to finalise its plans for industrial action.
Talks between the teachers and the Department of Education broke down early on Saturday morning without agreement on the redeployment of surplus teachers. The INTO is now threatening strike action in almost 100 schools.
A statement from the INTO's general secretary, Senator Joe O'Toole, said almost 100 primary schools were now to lose a teacher and would be dealing with the largest classes in Europe as a result. The INTO had drawn up a list of schools prepared to take industrial action to protest at larger classes.
At the beginning of the school year it is irresponsible of the Minister to ignore their (INTO's) most reasonable request. At a time when they should be looking forward with eagerness to their new classes, the Minister has left the threat of strike action hanging over them.
"This is the first time in 10 years that a Minister for Education has failed to reach agreement with the education partners on teacher allocation. She is determined to force through her own proposals."
Today's INTO meeting will focus attention on about 61 schools with the worst pupil teacher ratio.
At second level, efforts are continuing to overcome the objections of teachers to the Government's £66.7 million offer on pay and conditions, which was rejected by the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) before Easter.
But little progress has been made so far in the talks between the Department and the two unions. Observers believe the recent rejection by members of the Civil and Public Services Union of a deal has made an agreement for the teachers more difficult.
The ASTI assistant general secretary, Mr John White, last night warned of the potential for "difficulties" during the school year if no new agreement was reached.
Both the ASTI and the TUI have mandates to strike which will be reactivated if the two sides fail to strike an improved deal acceptable to their members. The situation is complicated by the fact that the INTO approved the original deal and is anxious to see it implemented as soon as possible.
The second level unions are seeking an improved offer on early retirement, as well as the deletion or dilution of proposals for greater flexibility and change from teachers.
