Sir, - Fintan O'Toole (EL, October 16th) makes a number of sweeping statements about the work of the ASTI in representing its members. I wish to address one of these statements: that the ASTI has tolerated the casualisation of teaching by "allowing" schools and the Department of Education to increase the number of part-time and temporary teaching positions.
Mr O'Toole must be aware that over the past decade all trade unions have sought to achieve a flexible and inclusive workplace which offers a range of lifestyle alternatives to workers. Such a workplace creates a need for part-time, temporary and job-share positions and these positions are sought after and valued by a significant number of workers including teachers.
The education sector is no different to any other employment sector when it comes to need for a flexible workplace. Flexibility, including career breaks, job-sharing, secondments, and study leave, promotes employment opportunities for teachers, provides opportunities for professional development, promotes mobility within and between schools, enables teachers to work in other employment sectors for periods of time, and facilitates the combination of family and working life.
Yes, there has been an increase in the number of part-time, temporary, and job-share positions in recent years and the ASTI has worked to improve the employment conditions for teachers in these positions. The union has achieved many significant gains for part-time and temporary teachers, including pension rights, promotional opportunities, and improved conditions of employment.
The ASTI also campaigned for the introduction of a supplementary panel scheme to assist those looking for permanent positions. Since its establishment this scheme has placed almost 1,500 part-time teachers in permanent posts. The panel arrangement, obtained by the ASTI for the voluntary secondary sector, has been sought after by other unions. In addition the ASTI runs a substitute placement panel for teachers to assist them in gaining part-time or temporary employment in their preferred location.
The ASTI is also the only teachers' union with a representative structure for part-time teachers. The union's part-time teachers' committee works to promote the interests and concerns of part-time teachers. Currently this committee is campaigning for the prompt implementation of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Workers) Bill which, when enacted, will make discrimination against part-time teachers unlawful and will introduce improvements in areas such a pay, pensions, conditions of employment, holiday entitlements and promotional opportunities. Indeed, the ASTI is the only union which has made a formal complaint to the EU Commissioner about the delay in introducing this legislation, which is required under an EU directive.
The ASTI's successful staffing campaign has also reaped rewards for part-time and temporary teachers looking for permanent work. Since this campaign was launched in 1998 over 1,500 teaching posts have been created in the second-level sector. While the number of teachers in second-level schools is still appallingly inadequate, the creation of additional posts has improved job opportunities for teachers. It should be further noted that the voluntary secondary sector is the only sector which provides for the filling of all vacancies on a permanent basis. In the community and comprehensive and vocational sectors, 95 per cent of vacancies are filled on a permanent basis, the remaining 5 per cent being filled on a temporary or part-time basis. This record hardly represents neglect of our part-time members and illustrates that Mr O'Toole's statements have no sound basis.
Finally, in relation to a supervision and substitution scheme for second-level schools, the ASTI will seek to ensure that part-time teachers can benefit fully from any such scheme. - Yours etc.,
Charlie Lennon, General Secretary, ASTI, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8.