The prospect of further industrial action in hundreds of secondary schools has receded greatly, with ASTI members softening their position and rejecting the idea of further strikes. They have also indicated, for the first time, a willingness to communicate with the Government's benchmarking body.
The ASTI has also deferred plans to issue a directive asking members to withdraw from supervision/substitution work in schools. The latest moves in its year-long campaign represent a climbdown from its previous position which supported strikes and rejected any co-operation with the benchmarking process.
In a recent survey completed by about 11,500 (about 72 per cent) members, the most remarkable result was that 53 per cent said there should be no action until the benchmarking body reported. The idea of sending the union's recent Labour Court submission to benchmarking was supported by almost three-quarters of respondents, unthinkable a few months ago.
From the replies, the union will seek to devise a fresh strategy. The survey shows strong support for teachers pulling out of extra-curricular activities and refusing to co-operate with new Department of Education syllabuses and curriculums.
Mr Charlie Lennon, general secretary of the union, said the campaign had been a "bruising experience" and teachers were reflecting upon the lessons from it. The survey was an informative and helpful process which showed that teachers wanted action on pay, but not action which disrupted schools.
He said the union's standing committee would meet again on November 23rd to discuss the options arising from the survey. The supervision/substitution issue would also be considered then. In the meantime, the ASTI would work with the other teacher unions - the TUI and the INTO - on getting improvements to the £27 an hour offer from the Government.
The results of the survey surprised many of its leaders, particularly the views on benchmarking. Mr Lennon however said that just because 74 per cent supported making a submission to the benchmarking body did not mean the union wanted to participate fully.
Many ASTI members believe the union's best way to exert pressure is to remain outside benchmarking while TUI and INTO negotiators attempt to get a reasonable settlement. The ASTI's 17,000 members will receive any settlement, even if the union does not participate.
Mr George O'Callaghan, head of the Joint Managerial Body, which represents voluntary school managers, welcomed the developments and said he hoped it would herald a "period of calm in our schools".
The INTO begins balloting on the supervision/substitution package today and a result is expected by November 15th.