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Schools 'facing closure over union action'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 24/02/2010.
Tags: Teachers News Education And PoliticsThousands of Irish secondary schools could be forced to close as a result of a union block on teachers taking on extra duties, it has been reported.
According to the Irish Independent, unions have directed members not to undertake any work that was previously done by retired staff who have not been replaced.
The newspaper noted that around 900 principals and a number of school employees in middle management positions have finished over the last year, with many of these roles remaining unfilled due to government spending cuts.
From March 8th, members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland and the Teachers Union of Ireland will refuse to take on any work that was once associated with a now vacant post.
In related news, it was reported earlier this week that education minister Batt O'Keeffe is looking at the possibility of merging some of the country's smaller schools in a bid to save money.
Written by Donal Walsh
Jean Smith
(28/02/2010 16:30)
Dear Schooldays.ie
St. Joseph's special school suffering savage 66% cuts between now and next school year. Teachers will be left holding the 'baby' as SNA support is taken from schools all over the country. Don't think the government will support all the children forced into mainstream who have social / behavioural issues and co-existing behaviour disorders that go hand in hand with M.G.L.D. disorders.
Jean Smith (Mother and carer)