The first step towards the teachers' union ASTI reconsidering its pay strategy was taken last night when its standing committee sought to put the issue of substitution and supervision on the agenda for its annual convention.
Secondary teachers are continuing to refuse to supervise students during breaks or in the absence of their regular teachers. They say they will not reconsider this position until their 30 per cent pay claim is settled.
General Secretary Mr Charlie Lennon has warned that the pay claim may yet take several months to settle. The benchmarking body considering teachers' pay will report in June. However, subsequent to this further negotiation between the Department of Education and ASTI may be required.
Pressure mounting on the union from within its ranks to separate the pay claim from the ban on supervision and substitution issue increased yesterday when 10 former presidents signed a letter calling for a suspension of the ban.
At last night’s meeting the standing committee decided to refer a motion to the steering committee calling for the rescinding of the policy of not entering talks on substitution and supervision. If passed, the issue would put before the membership for a vote at the union’s annual convention in Easter.