Meath students return to school

The ten second level schools in Meath that have been closed since the mid term break reopened today, as the secondary teachers union, the ASTI called off its action to allow for talks in the Workplace Relations Commission.

The union is suspending its one day strikes, which were a protest over the lower pay scale for newer qualified teachers as well as its withdrawal  from supervision and substitution, which was in pursuit of a pay claim.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Education confirmed that it has received an invitation from Anna Perry, Chair of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) and Director of Conciliation Services, Workplace Relations Commission, to meet with her today to discuss matters of mutual concern relating to the ASTI’s industrial action. 

The Department has accepted this invitation.

The ASTI said it was accepting the invitation to enter talks to explore possibilities to end the current industrial relations disputes.

Ten second-level schools in Meath remained closed after the mid term break as ASTI teachers refused to undertake supervision and substitution duties.