THE TEACHERS UNION of Ireland has announced that its members will not cover the work of their ASTI colleagues during planned industrial action next month.

In a statement today, the TUI said that none of its members will “undertake work which is normally done by ASTI members”.

The two secondary school teachers unions differed in their votes on the Haddington Road Agreement with the TUI accepting the deal while the ASTI rejected it.

Despite the discordance, the two unions say they have been in close contact “with a view to ensuring that their respective positions are acknowledged and respected”.

There are more discussions planned between the two groups as the ASTI move towards a work-to-rule on 2 October.

In the same note to members, the TUI advised that no element of the Haddington Road Agreement should be implemented until a circular letter is issued by the Department of Education.

Some schools had started to create timetables in accordance with the deal, a move that was described as “premature” by the union.

About 17,000 ASTI members will withdraw from duties outside of normal school hours from next Wednesday. The action will see them withdraw from school planning and policy meetings, staff and parent teacher meetings, and in-service training.

Members are also being directed to withdraw their co-operation from work on the new Junior Cycle Framework and not to take on any duties arising from vacated middle-management roles “unless they are pensionably remunerated”.

ASTI boss: Teachers’ action is “not about pay”

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