65,000 teachers and lecturers working in primary schools, second-level schools, further education colleges and third level institutions will participate in the one-day strike on November 24, called by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Members of the ASTI, INTO, and TUI voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, while IFUT was the first of the four unions to receive a strike mandate from its members.

In a joint statement, the General Secretaries of the four unions said:

“Teachers and lecturers are taking this action because they have never before faced such a serious threat to their pay, pensions and terms and conditions. The four teacher unions believe there is a better, fairer way which does not involve singling out public sector workers or dismantling vital public services.

"Teachers, lecturers and other public sector workers are being treated as if they are somehow responsible for causing the crisis in the public finances.

"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. These have had a hugely detrimental effect on the most vulnerable students in their communities and on working conditions of teachers.

"They are also hurt by their vilification as public servants by certain commentators. OECD reports demonstrate that Ireland has a relatively modest public service which is efficient.

"Public sector workers have already taken a pay cut in the form of the pension levy which was unilaterally imposed on them earlier this year.

“The results of the ballots undertaken by the teacher unions are a signal to the Government that singling out teachers and other public sector workers is unacceptable and that an alternative approach to economic recovery must be adopted which ensures that the burden is shared fairly, the vulnerable are protected, and that vital public services are maintained.

"This must be done by taxation as well as economies and not just through cutting essential public services.”

Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe appealed to teachers and unions not to go out on strike on November 24. Significant difficulties for parents and others would result from the one-day strike, he said. Ongoing talks should be allowed to continue with unions and the Government to seek a practical and reasonable solution to achieve cost savings.

Top-ranking civil servants on salaries of up to €100,000 a year have also voted for strike action over Government plans to cut their wages. The Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS), representing 3,000 senior civil servants and managers, returned a 60 per cent vote in favour of the walk-out on November 24.