Talks between representatives of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in an attempt to pave the way for pay discussions and an end to strike action will resume today.
The talks began yesterday after the ASTI agreed to suspend planned strike action following a letter from the Taoiseach which stated that pay docked before Christmas for work-to-rule days would be refunded, "without prejudice".
It is understood the focus of yesterday’s meeting has been on developing a forum for negotiations acceptable to both parties.
Mr Tom Pomphrett of the LRC told ireland.comhe was uncertain when the talks would be concluded despite the imposition of a one-week deadline by the ASTI. He said it would be "very difficult to do it within a week" as the two sides are still divided over the benchmarking issue.
The benchmarking system would aim to bring teachers’ pay in line with that of private sector employees. The ASTI, however, remains adamant in its demand for a 30 per cent pay increase, according to Mr Pomphrett.
Representatives of the Departments of Education and Finance are also attending the negotiations.