Lesson in importance of fair pay..

THE threat of strikes that could close the country’s schools has now become an annual event which coincides with the teachers’ union conferences.

Unfortunately that situation is unlikely to change until the Government recognises that pay discrimination is not acceptable.

While the current administration makes pious sounds about equality when it comes to race and gender it continues to treat the young as second-class citizens.

Mr Varadkar’s Government has no qualms about paying much smaller social welfare benefits to those under 26 and expects young teachers to accept reduced pay rates because they happen to be new to the profession.

There is little doubt teachers feel that they are being unfairly treated and that new members are being victimised.

This situation should never have come about but unfortunately the Fianna Fail Government at the time chose to cut teachers pay while at the same time shovelling billions of euro of taxpayers’ money to the banks.

Thankfully the economy has greatly improved and the Government is not slow to boast of growth rates and the growing number of people in employment.

When TDS have already had their pay restored – they received an extra €5,000 this time last year – there can be no excuse for continuing to discriminate against young teachers.