Labour Calls on Minister to Reverse “Anti-Trade Union” Circular Blocking Teachers from Promotion
Labour Calls on Minister to Reverse “Anti-Trade Union” Circular Blocking Teachers from Promotion - The Labour Party
Eoghan Kenny, Labour Party Spokesperson on Education, has today strongly condemned a new circular issued by the Department of Education which effectively bars members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) from applying for Posts of Responsibility in schools.
Deputy Kenny described the move as “deeply unfair, divisive, and overtly anti-trade union,” warning that it risks pitting teachers against one another at a time when unity in the profession is essential.
Deputy Kenny said:
“This circular sends a clear and troubling message: comply with government policy or face exclusion from career progression. It is completely unacceptable that qualified and experienced teachers are being denied the opportunity to apply for leadership roles in their own schools solely because of their union membership.”
The circular indicates that only teachers who are not members of ASTI, or those compliant with current policy, may apply for newly created Posts of Responsibility.
This follows ongoing disputes around Leaving Certificate reform, where ASTI members have raised serious concerns and sought changes to ensure the reforms are fit for purpose.
“This is not about whether one union is right or wrong,” Deputy Kenny continued. “Teachers have a right to question, challenge, and seek improvements to major reforms like the Leaving Certificate. Punishing them for doing so is fundamentally wrong and undermines the principles of fair representation and collective bargaining.”
Deputy Kenny emphasised that many ASTI members possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and commitment to fulfil these important roles, yet are now being unfairly excluded.
“What we are seeing here is discrimination against a cohort of teachers based purely on their union’s stance. It is disrespectful, heavy-handed, and sets a dangerous precedent in how government engages with workers and their representatives.”
The Labour Party is calling on the Minister for Education to urgently withdraw and amend the circular to ensure that all teachers, regardless of union membership are eligible to apply for Posts of Responsibility.
“Schools should be able to appoint the best candidate for the job, based on merit, experience, and dedication, not union affiliation,” Deputy Kenny concluded. “This circular must be reversed immediately.”