Irish primary school teachers to start work-to-rule on Oct 5, join nationwide strike Oct 14

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), which counts more than 48,000 primary and special-school teachers among its members, will commence a work-to-rule on 5 October, restricting staff to their contracted teaching hours and withdrawing from additional duties introduced under the Croke Park Agreement. The move comes after a ballot in which 57.5% of eligible members voted, with 99.5% endorsing industrial action, as negotiations for a new public-sector pay deal have not yet begun following the expiry of the June agreement that granted a 9.25% pay rise.

INTO members will also join a planned nationwide strike on 14 October, coordinated with other public-sector unions including Fórsa, Siptu and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, demanding further pay increases. General Secretary John Boyle said teachers are unable to meet the cost of food, energy and housing, and criticised the government for not fully honoring the previous agreement. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers reiterated the government's willingness to engage in fresh talks, calling the strike unnecessary. The Department of Public Expenditure was contacted for comment.