The Teachers Union of Ireland(TUI) has threatened the Government with widespread industrial action if the benchmarking process does not deliver substantial pay increases to its members. Speaking at the first day of the TUI conference in Cork, both the president, Mr John MacGabhann, and the general secretary, Mr Jim Dorney, said that unless they received substantial union members are likely to opt for industrial action next September.
The TUI like the INTO has endorsed the benchmarking process and is trying to secure a payrise of around 30 per cent.
The Teachers Union of Ireland(TUI) has threatened the Government with widespread industrial action if the benchmarking process does not deliver substantial pay increases to its members.
Speaking during the conference, Mr MacGabhann said they would be "unapologetic" about any action the union takes if it were not satisfied with the benchmarking recommendations.
The nature of the action and the start date will be debated by delegates over the course of the conference.
"Whatever action we take will be taken decisively and unapologetically," Mr MacGabhann said.
"And it will almost certainly involved strike action.
"Whether that means all out action from the word go remains a decision for the members of the union . . .the action will be decisive and absolutely convincing in the manner in which it is taken."
The union also says there can be no linkage between a pay increase and changes in teachers' conditions.
Several motions over the next few says indicate that teachers will not accept an increase in exchange for improvements in productivity.
The union believes it has conceded changes in productivity in previous years.
When the benchmarking report is published in June the TUI is likely to ballot on the level of the award and the phasing of it.
Negotiations with the Government are currently on course. However, if benchmarking doesn’t work then classes will be disrupted come September.