Over 800 Delgates will be attending, where they will be addressing issue such as Pay, Pensions and Cuts that directly influence Primary Teacher. In addition to addresses from Officials, the delegates will also be addressed by Ruairí Quinn TD, Minister for Education on Monday.
Both public and private sessions will take place. Public Session details will be posted here, and will be updated.
Day 1:
Update- 14.00
We were met today by a fury of media coverage, radio, print and television. Keep your eyes and ears open for us and our issues
Update- 15:00
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| Minister Ruairí Quinn |
He CANNOT avoid these serious issues
Update- 18.00
In this evening's Public session, heavily attended in the Radison Sligo, delegates and the public were addressed many speakers. Among those speaking were Jim Higgins, INTO President, Sheila Nunan, INTO General Secretary and Ruairí Quinn TD, Minister for Education and Skills.
All speakers acknowledged the major challenges we face in this country, with Ruairí Quinn summing it up by saying, 'We are where we are...our country is in receivership'.
Jim Higgins was quick to point out the importance of this year's Congress, emphasising that the direct business of the assembly 'will touch nearly 30,000 teachers and half a Million pupils'. He went on to stress the manner in which primary school teachers got no special privledges from the Boom times and 'will not be scaped goated by the greed of others.'
He added that at least 1 Million hours are being provided by teachers every year under Croke Park. His solution to some concerns was one of tried and tested measure. He referred to the Finish System and Strategy where, after a downfall akin to ours at present in the 80's and 90's, they doubled education expenditure, bringing them to the top of the 'Leader Board' as regards Literacy, Mathematical and Scientific Development in their population through Education.
He concluced by stating that 'Primary School Teachers will not be found wanting'. He urged Minister Ruairí Quinn to 'Work with us not against us' during his term.
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| Minister Quinn and General Secretary Sheila Nunan |
Next to speak was Minister Ruairí Quinn TD who delivered what seemed to be an honest but certainly somber and damning oration. Recognising the road ahead he outlined that by September 2011 cuts will be implemented and jobs cuts will continue. He appreciated the measure already taken are a cause fopr concern but still re-emphasised that it 'will not be easy for the next few years.' On reflection on his role as Minister for Education and Skills he said, 'I am not here just to save money, I want the best for the children in terms of Education'. Amidst his intent to execute firther cuts on the Education System, he appealed for 'further improvement in Numeracy and Literacy levels', also appealing to parents to be active in the home in this regard.
Regarding the Re-Deployment Panels, his position was clear. 'We can't afford teacher curplus in one school, while filling positions by recruitment in other schools.' He called 'Unity, not conflict or confrontation', despite the new entrant level of pay being decreased, therefore creating and immediate divide in staff rooms and schools. He protested that future hard decisions cannot be avoided, bringing pressure and concern, in an honest speech. However his call to 'Work better for less' will not be welcomed with open arms by teachers.
Many had questions to be answered by Minister Quinn in his speech, answers which the majority feel they did not get. Despite his honesty, the underlining statement was that the country has no money, depsite bailing out banks, and must cut more.
Finally, in his speech, Minister Quinn failed to mention Special Educational Needs in our schools and how the cuts are having an extremely adverese effects on this aspect of Education in the country. He was met strongly by parents and SNA's, who joined this NQT group in our protest, and it would appear his pre-planned speech did not include their concerns as parents and SNA's of children who have the greatest of needs in our schools.
Day 2 :
Update: 14.00 -Public Session since 9am
The banor of the day on stage read 'A Fair Deal for New Teachers'.
Following its lead, day 2, in public session, INTO President Jim Higgins spoke on Teacher Employment. He said it is 'The single biggest challenge in the coming year'. he could not have made this anymore clear in his speech and condemned the removal of 700 posts from irmary Education bu the Government. he urged with great heart that 'We must not accept that there is nothing we can do'. Referring to the clear problems we have in this country, he stated that 'Exposing the scale of a problem does not pose the soultion to the problem'. This takes particular significance as yesterday, Minsiter Ruairí Quinn stated the problem, but produced no solution but to continue cutting in Education.
Regarding probation he felt it was unaccpetable that the country trains teachers for three years leaving them without the reasonable opportunity to complete probation as required. In addressing this he posed a clear rhetorical question, 'Would the State close a 3 year course after 2 years leaving its participants hanging?' For NQT's his attention to this detail was welcomed as this feeling of 'being left out to hang' is expressed consistently regarding probation and the major difficulties faced in attaining it.
Pauline Flanagan, President of St. Patrick's College of Education Student Union, spoke on behalf of all Colleges of Educatio Unions. They have first hand experience of the anxiety, worry and fear of outcoming teachers from college. She summed this up by saying that at present 'The State does not offer us any job prospects.' She urged thew INTO to protect it's most vulnerable members, emerging teachers form the colleges, as they try to get their foot onto the career ladder, imploring the officials and members by asking them to 'Work with us not against us.' In her compelling oration she reffred to the vibrance, energy and resourcefulness of NQT from the colleges at present. On returning to her seat, she received a standing ovation from the packed hall, showing how members of the INTO and delegates are willing to stand up and protect young teachers.
This protection and support was clear from business later in the day. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Union, received a mandate to set up a Task Force for employment. CEC Member, John Boyle produced some stark figures for the delegates. At current rates, with the Governments plan, he predicted that 166 for every 1000 teachers will be un-employed. his figures are predicted from current college numbers and are also based on the Government not delivering 2,000 jobs by 2014 as part of the Recovery Plan. This reality of non-deliverance was certainly made more clear yesterday by the Minister virtually promising more cuts. With this figure of 166 for 1000 qualified teachers not woring in our schools can be branded a shame. In comparsion to our close neighbours, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we would be at unacceptable levels. At present Scotland has a rate of 6 for 1000 qualified teachers not working in schools, and Northern Ireland has a rate 23 for every 1000. Boyle wants to see impedements to having qualified teachers working 'i thing of the past.'
This intent, to work in order to get qualified teachers working fore the good of the children in our schools was signalled. After a report yesterday in the Irish Independent, where it was found that 400 un-qualified personel were working in our schools, 'teaching' our children, the INTO has passed motions by where INTO members will not work with un-qualified personel, but also instructs its CEC to campaign in order to ensure new entrants, qualified, will be in the classroom. In light of the above figure, it angers parents and teachers alike that the Government has cut Resource Teachers for Travellers, Rural Coordinators and Visiting Teachers. These are vital positions for the margenalised in our schools, and it is nothing but an insult to employ un-qualified personel while qualified and skilled teachers as mentioned above are being struck off the board.
Regarding the 3 buzz words, Croke Park Agreement, congress voted that any further pay or allowance cuts would be a breach of the agreement and its collapse. This should draw the attention of Department officials as this would mean the end to the 1 million free hours being contributed by teachers under the agreement. Sheila Noonan, yesterday outlined how 'We have kept our side of the deal and we fully expect the Government to keep theirs'.
While much talk has ensued about what the union believes, today they showed intent in their mission and took action. They voted unanimously to take actions 'up to and including industrial action' if any more pay cuts or allowance were applied to teachers. The CEC would have to ballot its members, but from the unanimous vote in favour seems to point to the result of that required ballot. However rumbles regarding industrial action were heard not so favourable for this ultimate step. Colm Harte, District 7, said, 'It's not the right time.' He was making the point as the Croke Park is seen to protect teachers. Any industrial action may leave teacher's pay open to more cuts. An air of caution about industrial action was in the air, but there was an even bigger air that something has to be done. The question comes to one's mind, how do we tell the Government that enough is enough? The door is closed, stop knocking, don't push us too far. Those are the phrases on people's lips but again clear strategiies have to be made regarding how that message will be heard. Strike action has certainly been muted by delegates.
Finally, the Congress voted that a campaign be set up to get Teaching Council Fees reduced, as many members feel that they are not completing their job. The Teaching Council, regulator of standards and professionalism in teaching, was not helped out by the Irish Independent article on un-qualified teachers, but delegates need the truth and received it. The Council's ability to act and execute their job was questioned, but the main problem was about the fees, 90 euro, being so high with teacher salaries significantly reduced, with a reported 10.4 million euro surplus reported in their accounts.
Overall, for NQT's, the support of the INTO is much more clear. They have taken decisions to campaign for new entrants, ensure employment, probation and equality in renumeration to name but a few issues. Their campaigns will of course not be wholesomely welcomed by the Department of Education, but as one delegate pointed out, 'It is a union's job to fight' Focus is certainly on NQT's in the teaching profession here in Sligo, and a sense of responsability resonates from the delgates and members, who themselves were in the same situation in the 80's and were protected by their members.
The banor of the day on stage read 'A Fair Deal for New Teachers'.
Following its lead, day 2, in public session, INTO President Jim Higgins spoke on Teacher Employment. He said it is 'The single biggest challenge in the coming year'. he could not have made this anymore clear in his speech and condemned the removal of 700 posts from irmary Education bu the Government. he urged with great heart that 'We must not accept that there is nothing we can do'. Referring to the clear problems we have in this country, he stated that 'Exposing the scale of a problem does not pose the soultion to the problem'. This takes particular significance as yesterday, Minsiter Ruairí Quinn stated the problem, but produced no solution but to continue cutting in Education.
Regarding probation he felt it was unaccpetable that the country trains teachers for three years leaving them without the reasonable opportunity to complete probation as required. In addressing this he posed a clear rhetorical question, 'Would the State close a 3 year course after 2 years leaving its participants hanging?' For NQT's his attention to this detail was welcomed as this feeling of 'being left out to hang' is expressed consistently regarding probation and the major difficulties faced in attaining it.
Pauline Flanagan, President of St. Patrick's College of Education Student Union, spoke on behalf of all Colleges of Educatio Unions. They have first hand experience of the anxiety, worry and fear of outcoming teachers from college. She summed this up by saying that at present 'The State does not offer us any job prospects.' She urged thew INTO to protect it's most vulnerable members, emerging teachers form the colleges, as they try to get their foot onto the career ladder, imploring the officials and members by asking them to 'Work with us not against us.' In her compelling oration she reffred to the vibrance, energy and resourcefulness of NQT from the colleges at present. On returning to her seat, she received a standing ovation from the packed hall, showing how members of the INTO and delegates are willing to stand up and protect young teachers.
This protection and support was clear from business later in the day. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Union, received a mandate to set up a Task Force for employment. CEC Member, John Boyle produced some stark figures for the delegates. At current rates, with the Governments plan, he predicted that 166 for every 1000 teachers will be un-employed. his figures are predicted from current college numbers and are also based on the Government not delivering 2,000 jobs by 2014 as part of the Recovery Plan. This reality of non-deliverance was certainly made more clear yesterday by the Minister virtually promising more cuts. With this figure of 166 for 1000 qualified teachers not woring in our schools can be branded a shame. In comparsion to our close neighbours, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we would be at unacceptable levels. At present Scotland has a rate of 6 for 1000 qualified teachers not working in schools, and Northern Ireland has a rate 23 for every 1000. Boyle wants to see impedements to having qualified teachers working 'i thing of the past.'
This intent, to work in order to get qualified teachers working fore the good of the children in our schools was signalled. After a report yesterday in the Irish Independent, where it was found that 400 un-qualified personel were working in our schools, 'teaching' our children, the INTO has passed motions by where INTO members will not work with un-qualified personel, but also instructs its CEC to campaign in order to ensure new entrants, qualified, will be in the classroom. In light of the above figure, it angers parents and teachers alike that the Government has cut Resource Teachers for Travellers, Rural Coordinators and Visiting Teachers. These are vital positions for the margenalised in our schools, and it is nothing but an insult to employ un-qualified personel while qualified and skilled teachers as mentioned above are being struck off the board.
Regarding the 3 buzz words, Croke Park Agreement, congress voted that any further pay or allowance cuts would be a breach of the agreement and its collapse. This should draw the attention of Department officials as this would mean the end to the 1 million free hours being contributed by teachers under the agreement. Sheila Noonan, yesterday outlined how 'We have kept our side of the deal and we fully expect the Government to keep theirs'.
While much talk has ensued about what the union believes, today they showed intent in their mission and took action. They voted unanimously to take actions 'up to and including industrial action' if any more pay cuts or allowance were applied to teachers. The CEC would have to ballot its members, but from the unanimous vote in favour seems to point to the result of that required ballot. However rumbles regarding industrial action were heard not so favourable for this ultimate step. Colm Harte, District 7, said, 'It's not the right time.' He was making the point as the Croke Park is seen to protect teachers. Any industrial action may leave teacher's pay open to more cuts. An air of caution about industrial action was in the air, but there was an even bigger air that something has to be done. The question comes to one's mind, how do we tell the Government that enough is enough? The door is closed, stop knocking, don't push us too far. Those are the phrases on people's lips but again clear strategiies have to be made regarding how that message will be heard. Strike action has certainly been muted by delegates.
Finally, the Congress voted that a campaign be set up to get Teaching Council Fees reduced, as many members feel that they are not completing their job. The Teaching Council, regulator of standards and professionalism in teaching, was not helped out by the Irish Independent article on un-qualified teachers, but delegates need the truth and received it. The Council's ability to act and execute their job was questioned, but the main problem was about the fees, 90 euro, being so high with teacher salaries significantly reduced, with a reported 10.4 million euro surplus reported in their accounts.
Overall, for NQT's, the support of the INTO is much more clear. They have taken decisions to campaign for new entrants, ensure employment, probation and equality in renumeration to name but a few issues. Their campaigns will of course not be wholesomely welcomed by the Department of Education, but as one delegate pointed out, 'It is a union's job to fight' Focus is certainly on NQT's in the teaching profession here in Sligo, and a sense of responsability resonates from the delgates and members, who themselves were in the same situation in the 80's and were protected by their members.
Day 3 and Summary:
Despite decisive action on further pay cuts and allowances cuts, the most important tool of any union, striking, was not endorsed regarding Special Education cuts. The question must be raised, if they are children's needs not being met, why? We have the qualified and dedicated personel in this country to do the jobs required. While the Union blankly disagrees with the cuts to RTT's and VTT's, the CEC in particular do not feel that striking would be the right option, and fears no meaningful result would come as a result of strike action. These motions on striking were the major issues of the day, but we also joined by a decision, for the CEC to set up an 'Employment Task Force'. Its role would be to examine, investigate and promote avenues in order to address the issue of Teacher Un-employment. This task force will be set up immediately. While some delegates felt that it would simply be a talking body with no action, NQT's are hopeful that it will find real and accessible roads to employment in the very near future.
In conclusion, NQT's will be encouraged by the emphasis on their needs and prospects for the future. Delegates are showing an understanding of our situation and are using their voices in every possible way to promote employment. It is pertinent to point out that opposing pay cuts and un-equality for NQT's is important for those teachers with more experience. We must remember that if the Government seek to level everybody's salary, they certainly will not increase pay to NQT's, but rather cut the salaries of more experienced teachers. This arguement of a 2 tiered pay scale is equally vital for all teachers. The voting to use means 'up to and including strike action' is positive and shows an intention to make a difference. Hopefully this spirit will leech through every district, mobilising many more teachers. However, one aspect which is very important, is the vote to set up and NQT group in every district, like our own. This will encourage unity in the fight against the increased inequalities effecting NQTs. The next few months will be interesting, but we must continue to be active and work on our own behalf, but more importantly, for the teaching proffession.
