Teachers union set to negotiate for extra money

PRIMARY teacher union INTO is calling for a special allowance to be paid to staff working in cities to compensate for higher living costs there. 

- LOUISE BURNE

It comes after delegates told the union’s annual congress about their struggles to afford to live in places such as Dublin.

Delegates have now instructed the union to negotiate with the Department of Education for additional payments, so they can continue to live in the cities where they work.

Similar allowances are paid in London to help teachers under pressure from high rental costs.

The INTO says the cost of living and housing crises have placed additional financial pressures on teachers.

Typically, people living in cities pay more on rent or mortgages and also on costs like childcare. INTO is the first teacher union here to formally adopt a position seeking such an allowance.