Primary teachers halt before-and-after-school supervision amid pay dispute
Primary school teachers in Ireland will stop supervising pupils outside official hours as part of a work-to-rule campaign over pay and cost-of-living concerns.
Máirín Ní Chéileachair, assistant general secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, said primary teachers will cease all before-and-after-school supervision under the Croke Park hours scheme starting Monday. The decision is part of a broader work-to-rule protest by more than 100,000 public-sector employees over stalled pay negotiations and rising living costs. She urged public expenditure minister Jack Chambers to negotiate in good faith, warning that a full-day strike is slated for 14 October if talks do not begin.
School boards have been told to conduct safety assessments and notify parents that schools cannot be opened early without staff present. Extracurricular activities during regular school hours and voluntary teacher-led events remain unaffected. Other unions, including Fórsa, INMO and Siptu, have also adopted strict contract-only work practices.
Why it matters
The suspension of supervision affects child safety and highlights escalating tensions in Ireland's public-sector pay negotiations.
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