Department of Education warns of “widespread school closures” on Monday

It comes after four hours of negotiations yesterday failed to reach a conclusion. This follows meetings earlier this week and last week.

Both parties aim to resolve the dispute over pay and conditions ahead of strike action on Monday.

The ASTI plans to withdraw from supervision and substitution duties, which is set to see the closure of around 400 schools across the country.

In statement, Department of Education say: “The ASTI’s withdrawal from supervision and substitution from Monday is directly linked to their refusal to work the Croke Park hours (less than an hour a week), which are worked by every public servant in the state.

“Department officials have remained in regular contact with the school management bodies on contingency arrangements ahead of the withdrawal of supervision and substitution.

“However, at this stage it remains the case that widespread school closures are expected…due to the ASTI’s industrial action and non-cooperation with contingency.”

[Source:-News Talk]