News Archive 2015
2016 INTO Art Competition
Monday, 26 October 15
Each year INTO Northern Office runs an Art Competition to celebrate and encourage the tremendous wealth of talent amongst our membership. INTO is calling on members across the North to submit entries for this year’s Art Competition.
Trade Union Friends of Palestine Conference
Wednesday, 21 October 15
The Trade Union Friends of Palestine (TUFP) are hosting a Conference entitled '10 years of struggle for Palestinian Human Rights and the Role of the Irish Trade Union Movement' on Saturday 14th November 2015 from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm in Galway House, York Street, Belfast.
INTO Training Courses 2015-16
Thursday, 8 October 15
Our latest series of training courses for INTO School Representatives, Health & Safety Representatives and Aspiring Leaders have been organised.
INTO-UTU Pre-Retirement Seminars 2015-16
Tuesday, 6 October 15
INTO and UTU will be co-hosting six Pre-Retirement Seminars for members considering retirement at anytime in the next 5 years. The seminars will be delivered by Platinum Financial Services, the official advisors for INTO and UTU.
INTO Response To DE Letter of 18 September re: Assessment
Tuesday, 22 September 15
INTO LATEST DIRECTIVE: Members should no longer attend training in respect to Assessment Arrangements.
INTO Grants for Educational Research
Friday, 25 September 15
The INTO bursary scheme will continue for the academic year 2015-16. There are five bursaries of €1,500 for which are open to all INTO members.
INTO Global Citizenship Schools Award Launch
Monday, 14 September 15
To all interested parties: An invitation to the launch of the INTO Global Citizenship Schools Award. This is open to schools in the North and South of Ireland.
New Phone System in Northern Office
Friday, 11 September 15
As part of our commitment to continually review and improve our service to members we are in the process of implementing a new telephone query-line service.
Refugees Welcome Rallies
Friday, 11 September 15
'Refugees Welcome’ rallies are being held across Northern Ireland on Saturday 12th September.
Imprisoned President of the Bahrain Teachers’ Association Denied Medical Needs
Wednesday, 2 September 15
Prisoner of conscience Mahdi ‘Issa Mahdi Abu Dheeb (m) has been denied his medication for hypertension and diabetes since March. He has also been denied supportive shoes which his doctor says are needed to help alleviate his back pain, which he has suffered from since his torture in 2011.
Industrial Action Campaign: Update September 2015
Friday, 28 August 15
INTO members are instructed to continue with our programme of action short of strike.
INTO And The Year Ahead
Wednesday, 26 August 15
Northern Secretary, Gerry Murphy welcomes our members back from a well-deserved summer break and outlines the INTO's determination to continue with our lobbying and campaigning for a significant increase in funding for the education sector and to sustain our industrial action campaign into the new academic year.
Attention All School Representatives
Thursday, 6 August 15
For the month of SEPTEMBER 2015 ONLY: Invite a colleague to join INTO and be entered into a draw to win a cash prize.
Latest Salary News
Tuesday, 28 July 15
A 1% pay increase for teachers has been approved and will be backdated to 1st September 2014. Furthermore the DE have confirmed that incremental pay progression for eligible teachers, which is due from 1 September 2015, will be processed and paid.
Redundancy Funding Announcement
Thursday, 9 July 15
Following the recent announcement by the Minister of Education, Mr John O`Dowd MLA regarding the release of monies to progress further teacher redundancies, INTO has contacted the Department of Education for clarification.
Education Committee Take Evidence on SEND Bill
Tuesday, 30 June 15
Northern Committee members Mary Dorman and Caroline McCarthy contributed strong and effective representation to the Education Committee on 17 June 2015.
Campaign to Oppose the Proposed Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership
Wednesday, 10 June 15
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a proposed trade agreement between the European Union and the United States potentially increasing corporate power making it more difficult for governments to regulate markets for public benefit.
Annual INTO Vere Foster Lecture
Tuesday, 2 June 15
INTO will be hosting the 6th Annual Vere Foster Lecture on Friday 19 June 2015.
Principals' & Deputy Principals' Consultative Conference 2015
Monday, 1 June 15
The 2015 Principals' and Deputy Principals' Biennial Consultative Conference willt ake place on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2015 in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.
March for Civil Marriage Equality
Tuesday, 26 May 15
A rally will take place in Belfast next month to call for legislation for same-sex civil marriage in Northern Ireland.
INTO Global Solidarity Network and Global Citizenship School Award
Tuesday, 26 May 15
The INTO Global Citizenship School Award was launched at this year's Congress. This award is open to schools in the Republic and in Northern Ireland.
Recruitment Promotion May 2015
Friday, 8 May 15
Attention All School Representatives: For the month of May 2015 invite a colleague to join the INTO and be entered into a cash prize draw!
Belfast Teachers' Credit Union Celebrates 50 Years
Wednesday, 15 April 15
The Belfast Teachers' Credit Union (BTCU) would like to invite you to join them in their 50th anniversary celebrations.
May Day Rally 2015
Monday, 20 April 15
The ICTU annual May Day rally and march will take place on Saturday 2 May 2015.
LGBT Inclusion Week 2015
Tuesday, 28 April 15
Across Northern Ireland thousands of young LGB&T young people challenge prejudice by simply walking out their front door, and by doing so they challenge society to promote their inclusion. As part of LGBT Awareness Week some of these young people, are inviting you to walk in their shoes just for one night.
Win a Hotel Break With Your INTO Membership Plus Card
Monday, 13 April 15
Suggesting where you would like to save with your INTO Membership Plus Card is a great way to help Membership Plus grow in the way which benefits you the most. All suggestions received by midnight 19th April will go into a draw to win a one night stay at any Select Hotel of Ireland with full Irish Breakfast for 2 people.
Northern Office Easter Closure
Wednesday, 1 April 15
Northern Office will be closed from Friday 3 April - Monday 13 April 2015 for our Easter closure.
Action Short of Strike: Instruction to Members
Tuesday, 31 March 15
The recent ballot of INTO members delivered a resounding mandate that INTO members are no longer prepared to observe from the side-lines as the education system is torn apart and the education of children is put at risk.
INTO Says Domino Effect of Teacher Job Losses to Start With Over 560 Posts To Go
Monday, 30 March 15
THE Northern Secretary of Ireland's largest teachers' union has said the domino effect of teacher job losses is expected to be rolled out within weeks with over 560 jobs to be lost within a matter of months.
INTO says £10.7million Bill Caused By Teacher Stress Is 'Spiralling out of control'
Friday, 20 March 15
A SENIOR official at Ireland's largest teachers' trade union says the cost of days lost because teachers are being forced to take time off work due to stress is 'spiralling out of control' with latest figures revealing a bill in excess of £10.7million over the last five years.
Changes to the NITPS at 1 April 2015
Wednesday, 18 March 15
From 1 April 2015 the NI Teachers’ Pension Scheme (NITPS) is changing from a final salary scheme to a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme, and the way your pension benefits are calculated may change.
Northern Office Closed: St Patrick's Day
Monday, 16 March 15
INTO Northern Office will be closed on Tuesday 17 March 2015 for St Patrick's Day.
Thousands of Teachers, Parents and Pupils Stand in Solidarity at Picket Lines Over Cuts
Friday, 13 March 15
THOUSANDS of members from Ireland's largest teachers' union took to the streets today to demonstrate their anger and frustration at facing a fifth successive year of cuts to the education system.
INTO Says a Reinvestment in Teachers, Smarter Spending and Long Term Strategy is Key to Success
Thursday, 12 March 15
STANDFIRST: Pressure mounts on the Executive as largest teachers' union pledges further action after strike. On the eve of industrial action, Gerry Murphy, INTO's Northern Secretary, talks candidly about why 7,000 teachers will leave the classroom to raise their placards.
Teachers Strike To Defend Rights of Children to Get The Education System They Deserve
Tuesday, 10 March 15
Ireland's largest teachers' union has announced it is calling on its 7,000 members in schools and colleges to defend the rights of our children's education by taking part in Friday's strike action.
Industrial Action: INTO Members to Strike on Fri 13 March 2015
Monday, 9 March 15
INTO members voted by 79% to join with other Public Service Unions on a strike to take place on Friday 13 March 2015.
Information Meetings re: Industrial Action
Thursday, 5 March 15
INTO will be hosting information evenings re: the upcoming Industrial Action on Friday 13 March 2015. All School Representatives / Members are encouraged to attend.
INTO Prepares For Campaign of Industrial Action as 79% Vote In Favour of Strike
Thursday, 5 March 15
An overwhelming majority of 79 per cent of teachers in Ireland's largest teachers' union have voted in favour of strike action following the results of a ballot against education budget cuts.
The £1million Bill of Teacher Suspensions is 'Grossly excessive' Says INTO
Wednesday, 4 March 15
Ireland's largest teacher's union says the cost of teacher suspensions in Northern Ireland is a growing concern with senior officials calling for the Department of Education to stop burying their heads and deal with suspensions promptly.
INTO Members Say 'Dysfunctional' Educational System Lacks Value For Teachers
Tuesday, 3 March 15
Members of Ireland's largest teacher's union will find out on Thursday if enough votes have been cast to take industrial action over Northern Ireland's 'dysfunctional' education system.
INTO to Tell Minister That Lack of Budget is 'An Unacceptable Ransom' on Education
Wednesday, 25 February 15
Budget cuts, bullying and the overwhelming importance of education for our children and wider society will be at the forefront of the debate at this year's annual Northern Conference of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO).
Al Mackle RIP
Wednesday, 11 February 15
The General Secretary, Northern Secretary, President and members of the CEC and Northern Committee, as well as the staff of the Dublin and Belfast offices of INTO, extend their deepest sympathy on the death of their esteemed colleague and former Northern Secretary, Al Mackle.
Bulletin 4: Is Your School Budget Really Safe?
Thursday, 5 February 15
The Education Minister, Mr John O’Dowd MLA, recently announced an additional £80 million for the Education Budget. He indicated that this would protect the Aggregated Schools Budgets (ASB) compared to the 2014 allocation.
Ballot for Action
Thursday, 29 January 15
INTO in the face of an Education Budget that will see up to 1000 teachers made redundant and £90 million less invested in Education will be balloting its members for Strike Action and action Short of Strike.
Teaching Redundancies 2015-16: Compensation Terms
Wednesday, 28 January 15
The Minister has advised INTO that he has decided that the compensation terms available to teaching staff in 2015/16 will be up to twice the amount of statutory redundancy payable, that is up to 60 weeks’ salary. This enhancement will apply to teaching redundancies up to 31 August 2015 and it is not intended that it will apply to any teaching redundancies after that date.
Rainbow Project Demonstration: 31 January 2015
Thursday, 22 January 15
A demonstration is being organised by the Rainbow Project to protest against a proposed ‘Conscience Clause’. A conscience clause that allows businesses to discriminate is counterproductive, is not good for business or attracting investors to Northern Ireland. This would set Northern Ireland out on a limb as the only place in the UK that allows discrimination against LGB people in the provision of goods, facilities and services.
Principals and Vice-Principals Meetings
Thursday, 22 January 15
INTO is inviting principals and vice-principals to discuss the proposed education budget cuts and to consider the strategy / action that is required in response.
INTO Art Competition: Extended Deadline
Tuesday, 13 January 15
The deadline for this year's INTO Art Competition has been extended to Friday 30 Janaury 2015.
Forthcoming Events
Monday, 12 January 15
A number of events for INTO members are taking place in the coming weeks - Workload Workshops, INTO-UTU Pre-retirement Seminars, INTO Northern Conference, INTO School Reps Conference and Teachers' Pension Roadshows.
Budget Campaign Update
Monday, 12 January 15
INTO responded to the draft Education budget and / Executive budgets. The focus of our response has been:
- The cuts will devastate education today and for generations to come;
- The teaching profession will be reduced beyond recognition;
- Both draft budgets fail to recognise the value of education as an economic driver; and
- Education should be protected from financial pressures and a long term economic strategy should have education at its core.
Bulletin 5: Investing in the Teaching Workforce
Wednesday, 23 December 15
The Minister announced '500 new jobs for recently qualified teachers' on Friday 18 December 2015.
Phone issues Northern office
Tuesday, 8 December 15
Please note that the Northern office has been experiencing intermittent issues with our phone line today, which is also affecting emails. Engineers are currently working to resolve this issue. If you have an urgent query please contact your Northern Committee Representative. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
INTO's Partner Cornmarket Insurance Services are Award Winners
Tuesday, 1 December 15
The “Business Award” in the first Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards was won by INTO's insurance partner Cornmarket Insurance Services.
GTC(NI)Election 2016
Monday, 30 November 15
The process has started to elect 14 new teacher members to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). Make YOUR VOICE heard and MAKE your vote count.
Belfast Climate Change Rally: Sunday 29 Nov 2015
Friday, 27 November 15
This is a call to join Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth, Oxfam, NIPSA, Queen’s Student’s Union, and Trócaire in making the Belfast Climate Change Rally on Sunday 29 November the most successful climate action Northern Ireland has ever seen.
DE invites applications to General Teaching Council for NI
Thursday, 19 November 15
The Department of Education is seeking to appoint four Departmental representative members to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). The GTCNI is the professional registration and regulatory body for teachers in the north of Ireland.
Action Short of Strike: Escalation of Action
Friday, 13 November 15
Following November’s meeting of INTO Northern Committee, proposals were agreed to further escalate the industrial action in schools.
Concern Debates 2015/16: Volunteer Adjudicators Urgently Needed to Support Local Schools
Friday, 13 November 15
Concern Debates 2015 -16 give GCSE and A-Level pupils the skills to formulate an argument, deliver a speech, stand up for their point of view and challenge their opponents’ opinions. Concern is looking for volunteers to join our panel of adjudicators to hear the insightful views of today’s youth on global issues.