A chara, – Dave Alvey ( December 27th) is correct in his analysis of the impact of increasing the pupil-teacher ratio in post-Leaving Cert courses and how such an increase does nothing to promote equality. As he further notes, 200 non-permanent teachers will lose their jobs.
My experience in a related sector, the Adult Education Service, has shown me that a substantial number of committed teachers are non-permanent – in other words casual labour. Adult education is another key and invaluable sector in the education service which plays a vital role in the promotion of equality in Ireland. Since 1987 the “social partnership” deals have abandoned the fundamental trade union principle that “an injury to one is the concern of all”. The number of non-permanent teachers without pay, terms and conditions on a par with permanent teachers has grown significantly. With the growth of casual and part-time teachers (and indeed in many other professions), we have witnessed the decline of the trade union movement, which accounted for only 31 per cent of the workforce in 2010.
As we face into the 100th anniversary of the 1913 lockout, it would be good to think that trade union principles would come into vogue again instead of dependence on EU law which has not delivered for workers.
The trade unions should build trade membership in this area and fight for workers’ interests rather than hide behind the Croke Park “agreement”. – Is mise,