Junior Cert changes 'being rammed down teachers' throats…It would be wrong not to make a stand'
The country's largest teachers union is denying holding the education system to ransom with its plans for industrial action over the new Junior Cycle.
A total of 88% of ASTI members who voted in a recent ballot voted against co-operating with the Education Minister's plans for a new programme focused on in-house assessment marked by teachers.
Union members will not take part in meetings and training events for the new system, which is due to be phased in from September.
ASTI member Ray Silke, who teaches at Coláiste Iognáid in Galway, said the union was right to take a stand.
"It's very easy to bash the teachers…But many, many teachers really enjoy their job and are bloody good at the job," he said.
"This is a massive change that there has been very little consultation about and it's being rammed down our throats.
"Surely a union's job is to represent its members and it would be wrong of the union not to make a stand on this."
