SUPPORT AT PRIZE GIVING REQUESTED
“Principals and Boards have been asked to make a statement of support for their non degreed staff during their end of
year prize givings this week,” Martin Cooney, spokesperson for the September 20 group said today. “Secondary schools
have their junior prize giving speeches this week and it is an opportune time for such a statement.”
“Non degree teachers are normally asked to wear undergraduate gowns while their colleagues wear University
Gowns/Colours at prize givings to add to the sense of occasion for students. This year the issue is quite sensitive of
course. Our group was asked to take action over the issue but declined so as not to affect students on their big day. ”
“Instead we are asking Boards to take an unusual step and make a political statement critical of the Labour Party,”
said Mr Cooney. “Prize givings are traditionally times for homilies to students about acting honourably and doing the
right thing. All we are asking is for the speakers to add an example of the problems caused when the Government does not
behave in such a way”
“The problem for Degree Equivalent (G3=) teachers is that the Labour Party promise to abide by the Arbitration Panel’s
report has been openly broken in that they are now refusing to return to that panel. G1 and G2 teachers are being
punished because they are deemed to have the same qualifications as the bulk of primary teachers, and the Government has
broken its electoral promise of pay parity,” said Mr Cooney.