Teachers are currently operating a work-to-rule, which is expected to escalate in the coming weeks, but unions are unlikely to embark on any major strikes.

A perceived lack of public support for strikes, and a lack of belief that any reversals of government decisions will be achieved, has reined in the union chiefs - at least for the present.  In addition, educators do not want to lose further money by having their pay docked for strike days.

One teaching union leader said:

‘‘I don’t believe there is a wish to do anything that would hand money back to the state. Even though the mandate is there for strike, I don’t think the appetite is there for it. I think a strike would be a turning point and a step too far."

Unions are conscious of the public relations dangers of closing schools and forcing parents to take time off work themselves, especially after the days already lost as a result of the snow in January.

The leaders also believe there is nothing to be gained from going out on strike, as the government is holding fast to its budget decisions.

‘‘If you are going to ask people to take that sort of industrial action, you have to give them an expectation that you can deliver something," said another union leader.

‘‘If we were asked if we would guarantee any great benefits from going out on strike, then we would have to say no."

Last week, IFUT, the university lecturers’ union, failed to get a sufficient majority in favour of industrial action. IFUT general secretary Mike Jennings said that the union’s executive would now refer the matter to local branches to decide on industrial action themselves. (Source: Sunday Business Post)

RIGHT: Mike Jennings, general secretary, Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT)