The members of three teachers unions, the ASTI, INTO and TUI have voted to take industrial action over the Government's handling of the economic situation.
In a joint statement, the three unions said the decision to take action, up to and including strike action, had been a difficult one for teachers.
The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI), and the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI), which together represent more than 50,000 teachers, said that its members had voted by a large majority for the action, which may include strikes.
The statement said teachers, who as well as facing difficult economic circumstances are well aware of the impact of the economic crisis on the communities in which they live and work.
