Sir,- Is it not significant that the present dispute does not seem to affect the predominantly TUI-manned community and vocational schools which are funded far more generously by the State than the predominantly ASTI-manned voluntary secondary schools?
Ancillary services that are taken for granted in business and industry, and, indeed, in vocational and community schools, must be provided in voluntary secondary schools free of charge by committed members of parents' councils, boards of management and teachers. What business would survive with one secretary and one caretaker for a very busy, multi-tasking and complicated community of 1,000 people?
There is deep anger among teachers at the scornful way in which the Cabinet has so far dealt with their claim. But the effective closing of schools on work-to-rule days on the say-so of an insurance company serves only to highlight the need for the Government to respond in a more positive manner to the real needs of everyone in this sector.
Whatever the historical reasons for scrounging off religious-run secondary schools in the past, surely in this money-rich era the unimaginative, "might is right" tactic of the Government is no longer good enough? - Yours, etc.,
Donal Lynch, Belcotton, Termonfeckin, Co Louth.
Sir, - Many of your correspondents have compared their conditions of work with those of teachers, finding the former less favourable. They would perhaps be better directing their invective against employers who, in a fashion reminiscent of Victorian factory owners, are responsible for long hours, seven-day working weeks and few holidays.
They may start to improve their lot by asking to whose ultimate benefit are short-term contracts, productivity deals, insufficient free time, a non-unionised work force and the notion that no job is a job for life.
They may find that exploitation is a word not too far from their lips and understand why people have unions. - Yours, etc.,
David Keogh, Killarney Heights, Bray, Co Wicklow.