Junior-cycle teachers’ strike
Senator Whelan urges ASTI and TUI leaders to withdraw proposed strike action, arguing that the Education Minister’s concessions are fair and that industrial action would be disproportionate; the Chair limits his time.
With respect, a number of other speakers spoke on four and five items. I am addressing only one issue with regard to industrial peace-----
Comment on this
I will just remind the Senator that he had two minutes and he has spoken for three minutes. I have been very lenient.
Comment on this
I appreciate that and I will conclude. I would also like to extend the same invitation to the ASTI and the TUI leadership to withdraw from the proposed strike action with regard to reform of the junior cycle. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has brought forward very fair concessions which have not been put to the membership. Many teachers I have spoken to are not interested in strike action; they want a resolution of this issue and at this stage, strike action would be excessive and disproportionate to the issue. It would not be in the interest of teachers, students or their parents.