ASTI members set October dates for work-to-rule and strike action
ASTI members will begin a work-to-rule on October 5 and strike nine days later if meaningful pay talks have not begun.
· The Island · 2 min read
On 25 September, members of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland voted for industrial action and set dates for a work-to-rule and possible strike across second-level schools in Ireland.
What happened
The ASTI said its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of action, citing delays in agreeing a new public-sector pay deal. The work-to-rule is due to begin on 5 October.
Members will then strike nine days later if meaningful talks on pay are not under way. That places the possible walkout on 14 October. The dispute has raised the prospect of school closures on separate days next month.
The action follows a ballot of ASTI members. The union’s decision adds pressure to efforts to reach an agreement before the scheduled escalation takes effect.
Why it matters
The dispute affects second-level teachers and the schools in which they work. A work-to-rule can restrict duties outside core teaching, while a strike would interrupt classes directly.
For schools and families, the key dates are now 5 October and the possible strike nine days later. The immediate issue is whether talks on a new public-sector pay deal begin in time to prevent further action.