More than 48,000 primary and special school teachers across Ireland are set to begin a campaign of industrial action next month after members of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) voted overwhelmingly in favour of measures over public sector pay.

The union announced that a work-to-rule action will commence on October 5. Under the initial measures, teachers will refrain from working beyond their contracted daily teaching hours and will withdraw cooperation with additional hours, including those introduced under the Croke Park Agreement. The INTO also plans to join other public sector workers in a proposed nationwide strike on October 14.

According to figures released by the union, the ballot recorded a turnout of 57.5%, with 99.5% of voting members supporting industrial action. The union stated the measures aim to secure a new pay deal following the expiration of the previous public sector agreement at the end of June.

INTO General Secretary John Boyle called the result an "emphatic mandate" from teachers struggling with living costs, citing rising expenses for food, fuel, housing, and travel. He accused the Government of failing to engage in meaningful negotiations or honour commitments under previous agreements. INTO President Brendan Horan added that the vote reflected widespread exasperation across the profession.

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure expressed disappointment that unions had not engaged in recent weeks, stating that meaningful progress can only be achieved if both sides return to the negotiating table without preconditions. The INTO is among several public sector unions, including Fórsa, SIPTU, and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, that have backed or scheduled industrial action over public pay talks.