Paschal Donohoe’s plans have taken a major hit today after The Irish National Teachers Organisation rejected the latest public service pay agreement.
The union which represents primary school teachers overwhelmingly rejected the deal by 89% to 11% today after their ballot was submitted before its 36,000 members.
Speaking about the rejection of the deal a spokesperson for the union said that although the deal has made great strides in restoring a fair pay system for primary school teachers, our members still feel it falls short of our expectations as the deal put forward has unfortunately not addressed the issue of a two tier pay system.
It is understood members rejected the deal due to the systems flaws which the union claims is unfair to teachers employed by the Department of Education after 2012 who receive 10% less in pay to those who were hired before that date.
The union say its members are willing to continue discussions in order to come to an agreement that will suit all parties.