Primary teachers to take industrial action next month

Primary school teachers, who are members of the INTO, are to begin industrial action next month over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

The action will initially take the form of a work-to-rule from 5 October.

INTO members will also join with fellow public sector workers in a proposed nationwide strike on Wednesday 14 October.

The INTO said that from 5 October, its members in primary and special schools will not work beyond their contracted daily teaching hours and until further notice will withdraw co-operation with additional hours including those introduced under the Croke Park Agreement.

99.5% of members who voted in a ballot backed industrial action.

The ballot had a turnout of 57.5%.

"This result is an emphatic mandate from teachers in primary and special schools who are struggling to make ends meet," said INTO General Secretary John Boyle.

"The increasing frustration of our members relates to the uncertainty surrounding salaries, particularly amid a cost-of-living crisis," Mr Boyle said.

The INTO has become the latest public sector union to back industrial action.

It has accused the Government of failing to make a meaningful offer on pay.

The previous public sector pay deal expired on 30 June, and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.

The Department of Public Expenditure said it is disappointing that unions have not taken the opportunity to engage in recent weeks.

"It is important that both sides return to the table to work towards a public service pay agreement," a spokesperson said.

"Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side," it added.