Proposal on teacher pay falls short of pay equity
Labour Party spokesperson on Education Aodhan Ó Ríordáin has criticised the government for their proposal on public sector pay.
Commenting today Senator Ó Ríordáin said:
“The proposal put forward by government falls significantly short of creating pay equity for teachers and other public sector workers.
“Their plan would mean pay increases for some 58% of those affected by the two-tier pay system in the first year. This would not rise again until the second year and will then only cover 78% of those affected.
“This is not pay equity and will not serve to solve the recruitment crisis facing the teaching profession. All teachers and public servants deserve equal pay, for equal work.
“Reports released earlier this year show that there has been a 62 percent drop in those applying for teaching training courses. If the Minister truly wants an excellent education system he needs excellent motivated teachers.
“I would like to recognise the hard work of all teacher unions in reaching this point. It is also my opinion that the government has left them in an impossible position – with a deal that goes somewhat to improving the lot of newly qualified teachers but doesn’t achieve equality.
“Minister Bruton owes teachers more than a piecemeal restoration of pay equity and I am today repeating my call on him to sit down with teachers unions and find a roadmap to pay equity for all teachers.”