ASTI-Government impasse set to return?
The teachers' pay row is reportedly set to erupt again with new threats to the Junior and Leaving Cert exams, allied to further stoppages in second level schools.
Both sides have reportedly dug their heels in over the 30% pay claim by members of the ASTI.
With the teaching union and the Government both taking a vow of silence as peace efforts continue in this row, the story has been kept out of the headlines - according to this morning's reports though, this is all about to change.
Reporters say they have seen a confidential report which shows the two sides are as wide apart as ever.
The Labour Court is continuing peace moves, but this now finds itself embroiled in a race against time, as within the next fortnight, the ASTI meets to discuss what progress has been made.
The teachers have already extended their suspension of industrial action, but if there is no progress when they meet on March 3, their collective frustration may again be tested.
They could vote to resume rolling regional strikes, and the threat to the summer State exams could once more be re-instated.
