TUI expresses ‘extreme disappointment’ that draft agreement does not adequately and fairly address new entrant pay

By piofficer, Thursday, 8th June 2017 | 0 comments

The Executive Committee of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) will meet this evening to discuss the proposed new public service agreement which was finalised between union and Government representatives early this morning.

TUI President Joanne Irwin has expressed her extreme disappointment that the draft agreement did not fairly address the major issue of new entrant pay.

Click here to download the proposed agreement.

‘While acknowledging the general pay restoration measures set out in the draft proposal, ending the unacceptable and inequitable two-tier pay system was the key priority for us on entering these negotiations. Wherever possible, we pushed the issue forward during the process,’ she said.

‘It remains completely unacceptable to us that two colleagues, recruited within days of one another, are paid significantly different rates for carrying out the same work. TUI has prioritised and campaigned on this issue and some progress has been made. However, the draft proposed agreement now before us would have the effect of preventing further progress for at least three years. At a time when schools are struggling to attract teachers for an increasing number of subjects due to more lucrative options in other employments, the process of full pay equalisation requires urgent acceleration, not delay.’

‘Regrettably, the draft agreement’s provision that new entrant pay be examined over a twelve month period in 2018, with application of any outcome no sooner than 2021 is wholly inadequate.’

‘Our Executive Committee will meet later this evening to discuss the draft agreement.’

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