Over 60 secondary teachers have lodged a claim with the Rights Commissioner seeking a pay rise which was due to be implemented on January 1st.
The Department of Education is awaiting two arbitrators' rulings on whether the teachers have fulfilled their commitments under the terms of benchmarking before paying out the increase.
The Minster for Education, Mr Dempsey, has refused to pay until the arbitrators' decisions, which are expected next week.
The 9.5 per cent increase was due yesterday under benchmarking and the last national wage agreement, Partnership for Proseprity and Fairness.
But the increase is conditional on teachers operating a standardised school year and new rules of attendance at parent-teacher meetings.
The 63 teachers are members of the ASTI, which has been in bitter dispute with the Department across a range of issues including pay, new curriculums, substitution and supervision for several years.
It has been reported that many branches are preparing motions for the union's next annual conference at Easter seeking higher wages and allowances.
The claims today have been lodged under the Payment of Wages Act. If the Rights Commissioner sees merit in the claims the office will contact the Department to seek its views before calling a hearing.