PROPOSALS to introduce a separate pay scale for the State's 4,000 school principals are contributing to the delay in finishing the long-running talks between the teacher unions and the Government.
The proposals, made by school managers, would give formal recognition to the managerial role of school principals. However, the unions, concerned about reaction from the rank-and-file, are proposing instead that principals get an increase in allowances of up to 30 per cent.
The other big sticking point in the £60-70 million deal concerns the proposed shortening of the common basic scale. Difficulties also remain over the phasing-in of the agreement, pension arrangements for part-timers and the purchase of years of service for pension purposes. However, these problems are not regarded as insurmountable.
Privately, the union leaderships are stressing that the package amounts to much more than a deal on early retirement, from which a maximum of 300 teachers a year will be able to benefit. Although the deal will cost twice the amount originally available under the PCW, there is still no guarantee that it will be approved. If even one union rejects the package, it will fall.
Junior teachers will gain least from the deal, but their prospects for promotion will be enhanced as older staff retire. For more senior teachers, there is the attraction of increased allowances, the creation of posts of responsibility and a payment of £1,000 for those over 55 years old with 35 years of service.
The deal promises to change radically the way schools are run. A new grade of deputy principal will be created; A and B post-holders will get specific responsibilities, and expected to share in the management of the school. All promotions will be filled by interview and on merit.
If the package is approved, teachers will agree to allocate an extra 15 hours a year to staff development and meetings. They will also provide cover automatically for the first day of a colleague's absence, and agree to work on religious holidays if their school decides to open on these days.
