Schools and AIT impacted by teachers' union strike

Services in local schools and Athlone IT have been affected today (Tuesday) by the strike action taken by the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) over pay inequality. 

Post-primary schools run by the Education and Training Boards, including Athlone Community College, have closed for the day as a result of the industrial action. 

In a letter to parents, Athlone Community College said its management had reluctantly decided that, due to the implications of the strike, it could not guarante the health and safety of students on the premises today. 

Pickets were also placed on other schools in the Midlands, including the Marist College in Athlone, this morning. 

In addition, Athlone IT said it was facing "some disruption to teaching services for a 24-hour period" due to the strike. 

"Please note, Athlone Institute of Technology will open as normal today "Tuesday) and services, including student supports, computer labs, online resources, catering, technical and support services, will be available to students as usual," said the Institute. 

While school and third level services are expected to return to normal tomorrow, the TUI said in a statement that its campaign would continue until the issue of pay discrimination had been resolved. 

"We regret any inconvenience caused to students and their families today, but a continuation of pay discrimination risks inflicting further damage on the education system," said the union. 

"The findings of a survey of principals second level schools last week show that almost four in five schools have advertised positions for which no teacher applied, while over half have unfilled vacancies due to recruitment and retention issues. 

"This teacher supply crisis is unprecedented and risks causing irreparable reputational damage to our education system," the TUI said.