One of the more strident critics of the ASTI leadership is facing possible expulsion from the union, amid continuing divisions about the union's faltering pay campaign. This weekend, the immediate threat of new school disruption receded after the union deferred a possible ban on supervision until November 5th.
Mr Bernard Lynch faces possible expulsion from the union, a fine or a reprimand after a standing committee meeting last Friday voted 15-5 to invoke rule 103 of the union. This allows for disciplinary action over conduct which allegedly damages the union.
As a member of the key ASTI standing committee, Mr Lynch has been an influential figure in the union's campaign for a 30 per cent pay rise. He has been an outspoken critic of the union leadership and clashed with the general secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon.
Mr Lynch faces the disciplinary inquiry after two recent meetings of the standing committee broke up in disarray. An apology offered by Mr Lynch was deemed unacceptable by the union leadership.
The Lynch case was raised by several ASTI members at Saturday's Central Executive Committee meeting but it could not be considered while the internal disciplinary inquiry was in train against Mr Lynch.
Several motions expressing no confidence in the leadership have been tabled by ASTI branches, but it is not clear when these will be addressed.
The ASTI move to defer action on supervision leaves it up to individual teachers to decide what action to take in schools. Mr Lennon said last night he expected no widespread disruption. Teachers would be maintaining the status quo until a directive on supervision/substitution was issued some time after November 5th.
In the interim, the union is hoping the Department of Education will improve on its £27 an hour offer. This was not put to members, who decided in last week's ballot to withdraw from these duties by 55 per cent to 45 per cent. ASTI hopes the Department will make the supervision offer pensionable as this would defuse the row.
Saturday's executive committee meeting voted that the supervision issue should be addressed separately from its pay campaign. The INTO executive is recommending acceptance of the supervision offer. The result of a TUI ballot will be known later this month.
After criticism of its failure to put the supervision offer to members, the ASTI is to conduct a school-by-school survey. Members will be asked their views on renewed industrial action and withdrawal from co-operation with the Department of Education.