Strike action by teachers before the general election is a possibility, according to the Teachers Union of Ireland.

The union has called the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill (FEMPI) - which would see cuts to their pay and pensions - a draconian measure.

The FEMPI Bill is in the process of being finalised.

Half of second level teachers under 35 are in part term employment or are paid less than their older colleagues according to the TUI.

The union said its members voted by 92% against the Lansdowne Road Agreement, and this legislation ignores their democratic vote.

The TUI says members voted against the Lansdowne Road Agreement for its pay cuts and unfair treatment of newly-hired teachers and lecturers.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning, TUI President Gerry Quinn said his union wants "the current Government to address the failings.

"In terms of the action, it will escalate and exhaust all reasonable avenues. But if we don't get into a negotiated situation to get reasonable resolution to these problems, then you're talking about strike action before people vote in a general election," he added.