Sir, - On Monday this week, our national media, particularly RTÉ, spent much of the day discussing the current ASTI dispute.
Not a week had passed since 800 jobs had gone down the drain in Youghal, Sligo and elsewhere and several thousand dependants of these workers were staring at a bleak and uncertain future. Yet, judging by the media, one might assuming that the only significant industrial problem in the country was a claim for additional payments for teachers.
Have we lost the run of ourselves, when greed seems to get more air time than need?
Perhaps some of the high-profile spokespersons for the teaching unions might show a little compassion and restraint in their almost daily whinging in the media about teachers' pay and conditions while redundant workers and their families with far greater and more deserving needs have to suffer in silence. - Yours, etc.,
NICK COY,
Lakeside Park,
Naas,
Co Kildare.
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Sir, - Following a reference to "chalk 'flu" on the news the other day, I was astounded to hear it said that teachers can have up to four days uncertified sick leave at a time and that they have up to 30 days uncertified sick leave a year.
This is in addition to their short working hours, extended holidays and numerous days off - not to mention the fact that they will now almost certainly receive over €38 an hour for supervision, which covers time that they are already on the school premises, and which up to now has been part of their duties.
Perhaps it is time that the taxpayer who ultimately pays for these perks is made fully aware of just what exactly teachers are paid and the associated benefits they receive. Your paper could begin by detailing exactly the range of salaries and perks provided to teachers.
As a father of two school-going children, I will be disappointed if the Government makes concessions to teachers without guarantees of increased productivity and schools that are more "working-family-friendly". By this I mean realistic opening and finishing times, teacher training on non-school days, and co-ordinated mid-term breaks.
Who can blame workers in other segments of the economy looking for improved pay and benefits if this is the example they see? - Yours, etc.,
FRANK SMYTH,
Gosworth Park,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.