THE only way to prevent further strike action amongst public sector workers is through proper discussions with unions, a local teacher has said. ASTI standing committee representative, Ed Byrne, said those in power needed to plan a concise route out of the economic crisis, rather than cut salaries.

'Our message to the Government is to get back into real negotiations that discuss the problems that the country has,' Mr Byrne said.

'Chart a way out of it that takes into account more things than just simply slashing public service and public service pay.

'Anytime you study economics, you were told about the cannons of taxation and that the only taxations that are fair are progressive.

'So if you introduce a third tax rate and if the public service is cosseted and is paying too much, then they pay a portion of that to the exchequer and if they're not, then they're not caught by it.

'But simply constantly highlighting the public service for cuts, while people of similar incomes in the private sector get the same wages without these cuts, it's inequitable and that can't be allowed to go on.' Primary school teachers marched on the Department of Education, while thousands of teachers across the country, from every union, went on strike. Mr Byrne was hopeful the day of action would affect the Government's thinking ahead of the upcoming Budget.

'I would like to think it would and that there is a social conscience in the Government,' he added. 'It can't be doing it any good to see its workers – because they are our employers – outside their places of work.

'Our places are inside these gates, doing the job we're paid to do and if the Government start negotiating with our trade unions, that's where we'll be again.'