22 February 12, Pay Cuts for New Teachers

Press statement by Noreen Flynn, President, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation on pay cuts for new teachers.

Speaking at a protest in Dublin today by student teachers against pay cuts, Noreen Flynn president of the INTO said Ireland cannot continue to load austerity on the next generation. Ms Flynn took part in the protest march which was attended by up to 1,500 student teachers.

She said youth unemployment at 25 percent plus is double the overall rate. “Separate and lower pay scales are being imposed on young people fortunate enough to get work,” she said, “with further cuts threatened.” She said lower pensions are also being imposed on new entrant workers based on flawed projections.

Ms Flynn said the clear message from government was not to be a student teacher in this recession. She said teachers were being told they could not accept steady work or pay. “Those lucky enough to get work are now being told that they will be paid a far smaller wage than teachers who graduated a few years ago.”

Ms Flynn said the problems faced by the country were not caused by young people. “The older generation’s foolishness cost this country its economic independence. “So why then are younger people, from children to new home-owners, paying the greater price?” asked Ms Flynn.  

“There is a fairer way than squeezing younger people who did not cause our crisis,” said Ms Flynn. “We cannot risk creating an embittered, resentful new generation sending thousands off on the modern equivalent of the emigrant ship with little to show for Ireland’s excesses and policy mistakes.

ENDS