Schools across many parts of the country are expected to close on November 24th, after teachers voted in favour of strike action.

According to the Irish Times, members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), the Irish Federation of University Teachers, and the Irish National Teachers' Organisation are in favour of the walk-out, which has been organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

In a joint statement, the unions said teachers have never before faced such a threat to their pay and working conditions.

"They are angry at how their sector has already suffered severe cutbacks, both in terms of teacher and lecturer job losses as well as financial support for schools and colleges," the statement read.

The organisations added that the government's education spending cuts have also had an impact on students, particularly the most vulnerable ones.

Speaking at a conference earlier this week, ASTI general secretary John White said they are being attacked and vilified like never before by economists and commentators.

Written by Donal Walsh

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