The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland(ASTI) has voted in favour of industrial action which could result in the closure of hundreds of secondary schools over the coming weeks.
The union announced on yesterday afternoon that 78 per cent of members have voted for industrial action in a dispute over penalties imposed on ASTI teachers for repudiating a public service pay deal.
The ballot was based on a turnout of 77 per cent.
The Department of Education warned last week that two out of three, or up to 525, of the secondary schools in the country faced possible closure if union members voted for industrial action.
ASTI president Ed Byrne said: “Today’s ballot results demonstrate the depth of feeling amongst second-level teachers who have endured years of pay cuts and deteriorating terms and conditions. Teachers do not embark on industrial action lightly and strike action is always a very last resort.”
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