An independent mediator will begin working this morning on a formula which could lead to the suspension of the industrial action by secondary teachers. If the mediator can set up an agreed forum for negotiations between the Government and teachers, the industrial action, which has shut classes for nine days so far, could be suspended before Christmas or early in the new year.
Sources in the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI), said last night if some specific forum or mechanism was agreed, the leadership would seriously consider a suspension. It hopes the forum would then deal with its 30 per cent pay claim.
Mr Tom Pomphrett, a senior negotiator from the Labour Relations Commission, is expected to meet both sides this week and put together a proposal shortly afterwards. This is likely to be some kind of forum where pay and related issues can be addressed.
He is not expected to get into discussions about the pay claim itself and will spend his time instead trying to get the parties to agree on the forum or "negotiation process" which will then consider it.
ASTI described his appointment as a "step forward" and said it could lead to something more. Sources said things were at "a delicate stage", but an agreement was possible.
This is the first time an outside individual has acted as mediator since the dispute began on November 14th. ASTI has called for such a move for several weeks. It has refused to take part in the benchmarking body which is hearing claims from other public sector groups.
The agreement to appoint Mr Pomphrett was made after a meeting on Saturday between the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, and ASTI general secretary Mr Charlie Lennon. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, was also understood to be close to the discussions.
Both sides have agreed no further comment will be issued until Mr Pomphrett completes his work. Mr Pomphrett is familiar with the teachers' claim as chairman of the teachers' conciliation council, which deals with other claims from teacher unions. He is a widely experienced negotiator, having dealt with strikes in CIE, An Bord Gais and An Post.
One of the main issues he will address is whether the teachers' forum should be linked to the benchmarking body, which compares public sector pay with rates in the private sector.
Some ASTI leaders have already rejected this idea, with many members of the standing committee particularly opposed. They would rather see the Government make some kind of down payment to the union.
The talks are likely to include the other teacher unions - the Irish National Teachers' Union and the Teachers' Union of Ireland, who are supporting the benchmarking body.
Dr Woods has said he wants the dispute resolved over Christmas so students are not facing into uncertainty in the new year.
ASTI voted earlier this month to take widespread strike action on a regional basis throughout January and February. Schools would be hit for at least four days during this period.