Commitment to equal pay could halt ASTI action, says union

Industrial action by members of the ASTI forced 507 schools across the country to close on Thursday. Picture: Arthur Carron

A Government commitment to equal pay for equal work could help to resolve ongoing industrial action by teachers, trade union Unite has said.

The union called on the Government to issue a statement confirming its stance on pay equality as a matter of urgency.

Industrial action by members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) forced 507 schools across the country to close on Thursday.

Jimmy Kelly, Unite's regional secretary, said differences in pay for new teachers need to be addressed immediately.

"I don't think anyone can stand up for two people doing the same work and one walking out with less wages than the other person," he said.

"I think the Government needs to declare 100pc support for equal pay for equal work."

Mr Kelly also said that a declaration from Government would "give the opportunity to resolve the current dispute".

He added that unions needed to support each other in seeking equality in different sectors.

"This is not just a matter for ASTI members. It is totally unacceptable to all workers that their colleagues doing the same work are not paid the same wages," he said.

"Equal pay for equal work is a fundamental principle and its application was hard-won by the trade union movement."

Irish Independent