Result of teachers’ ballot over industrial action due today

The results of a ballot of secondary school teachers on whether they will continue a campaign of industrial action will be released this afternoon.

Hundreds of second-level schools closed for a number of days late last year due to disputes involving the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) over a series of issues, including new-entrant pay.

Settlement proposals were drawn up before Christmas which sought to deal with various issues such as as pay, junior cycle reform and the overall Lansdowne Road public service agreement.

However, the union leadership has urged members to reject these proposals.

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If the union rejects the proposals, the ASTI has pledged to resume its campaign of industrial action.

However, it says it is mindful of the needs of exam year students and will seek to minimise disruption.

Thousands of its members would also lose out on thousands of euro in planned pay increases over the coming months if they reject the proposals.

If members vote in favour of the settlement proposals, it would bring an end to the union’s industrial action over pay and conditions.

The union would also drop its industrial action over junior cycle reform and co-operate with new reforms.

Thousands of junior cycle students would also have a chance to complete an assessment task worth 10 per cent of their English exam would be extended to April.

The results of the ballot are likely to be announced at about 4pm, according to the union.