Secondary teachers have suspended their series of one-day strikes and lifted the threat to exams after new moves to resolve their pay dispute.
But the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) has warned it will issue a new timetable for strike action if the peace moves fail.
At the weekend, ASTI agreed to refer its 30 per cent pay demand to the Labour Court. The decision - a significant breakthrough in the dispute - opens the way for the first substantial negotiations on the ASTI demand since it was lodged early last year.
On Saturday, the union's central executive committee (CEC) voted 129 to 30 in favour of a negotiating formula worked out by Mr Tom Pomphrett of the Labour Relations Commission. The Pomphrett formula gives the Labour Court a key role in helping to resolve the dispute. Teachers, who have their own conciliation and arbitration scheme, do not normally gain access to the services of the court. But all sides accept the circumstances of the dispute warrants Labour Court intervention.
The hope is the court can work out a formula that will satisfy the ASTI without undermining the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF). ASTI is not being asked to take part in the benchmarking body which the other teaching unions - the INTO and the TUI - are using to press their claim for substantial pay increases.
But it is not clear how ASTI can be given any special pay deal as all teachers are paid on a common basic scale. There are also potential difficulties with the INTO and the TUI if ASTI is seen to be "rewarded" for its strike campaign, as both unions endorsed the PPF.
At its meeting on Saturday, the CEC demanded a series of changes in Mr Pomphrett's proposal - specifically a much shorter period for negotiations. It wants to see a Labour Court hearing by February 7th and a recommendation issued by February 26th.
The plan is the pay offer will be put to the ASTI executive in early March. ASTI wants to see a pay offer on the table before Leaving Cert orals and practicals begin.
Under the Pomphrett formula, any pay offer worked out by the Labour Court would be placed before the union's 17,000 members. Mr Pomphrett's formula was worked out, amid great secrecy, with Government officials and four senior members of the ASTI last week. Mr Pomphrett imposed a media blackout on the discussions.
Responding to the ASTI move, the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, said he was "pleased both the ASTI and the Government were able to reach agreement on a way forward".
In a separate development, two candidates are challenging Ms Catherine Fitzpatrick for the position of ASTI president. They are Mr Pat Cahill and Ms Patricia Wroe. Ms Fitzpatrick is the ASTI vice-president.
