Among the delegates at last week's ASTI annual covention, thirtysomethings looked positively juvenile. The fact that younger members were thin on the gound, says ASTI president-elect Bernadine O'Sullivan, reflects a reality - junior teachers are eschewing union activism.

"Most young teachers are employed on a temporary basis," she explains. "They feel that in school the prospect of being employed full-time is not enhanced by union involvement." Most ASTI members were employed after 1972, just after the introduction of free second-level education.

The union fears that when this cohort retires, there will be little new blood with expertise, energy and experience, to replace it. Jackie Forde (28), who teaches maths and science at Blakestown Community School, Dublin, is one of the few young teachers to get a permanent job a year after joining the profession. Her subjects were the main factor in this, she says.

Forde joined the union in 1993 and immediately began attending branch meetings, which she found valuable and informative. She regrets the fact that young teachers of her age are avoiding union activity.

"They hide away and are afraid to come forward," she says. "But they should make more contact and get involved in the issues."

Bernadine O'Sullivan points to the recently established Part-Time Teachers Advisory Committee. "I hope this will encourage young teachers to become active," she says. Few teachers under 30 get to the convention because to do so you need to be active at branch level for a number of years.

The ASTI is considering reserving a number of convention places for part-time temporary teachers. However, she notes, many part-time teachers spend their Easter holidays job hunting. "They don't know until the last minute whether they'll be reemployed by their schools next year."

Maire Ni Chonchubhair, who teaches science and maths at Spiddal Secondary School, Co Galway, has been involved in the union only for a year. She was nominated for school-steward in an "ah - would you?" way and was immediately hooked. She's been suprised and impressed by the sense of unity, the support system and head office organisation, she says.

It took Noirin Murphy six years to get a permanent post. Today, she teaches Irish and geography at Colaiste Mhuire, Crosshaven, Co Cork. "I started attending branch meetings as a whole-time temporary teacher," she recalls. "I joined to get to know about my rights." Most young teachers, she says, get involved only when they have problems.