POSTS OF responsibility without power - the new prerogative of the teacher." Such was the dubious reaction of one ASTI activist to the £67 million package offered to teachers under the PCW last week.

The maxim reflects the chary reaction of many secondary teachers to the package, as well as identifying the source of many of the objections. The deal undoubtedly offers many things to many different categories of teacher, but by reforming the promotions system in schools, it threatens a degree of change which may prove unacceptable to the more conservative-minded in the profession.

The rank-and-file in the INTO can be relied upon to deliver a resounding "Yes" within a fortnight. Even the TUI membership is now likely to back the deal, now that the union executive has decided to recommend acceptance. After all, many of the practices proposed in the deal are all ready in place in the community and comprehensive sector.

The real battleground will be in the ASTI. The union's central executive committee is already split on the issue. Last week, the CEC voted down, by 95 votes to 57, a proposal from standing committee that members be balloted on the package "on the basis that it is the best possible package obtainable". However, the CEC also decided against rejecting the deal outright.

Whether the package is accepted or rejected will depend on how ASTI members view the promotion proposals. Will they opt for improved promotion prospects, with enhanced allowances? Or will they choose the status quo, under which they are guaranteed a post of responsibility after a number of years (admittedly, in many schools, a high number)?

And will they view the prospect of open competition for posts as an opportunity or an evil? In particular, how will they judge the proposal to have open competition for the new deputy principal posts in larger schools? The deal also suggests progressively extending open competition for deputy principalships to smaller schools.

If any one of the unions reject the deal later this month, all parties will have to return to the negotiating table. What would happen then is unclear. The package could possibly be implemented partially - for example, in primary schools only - or a more restricted agreement, restricted to early retirement and the payment allowances, might be an option.

The only certainty is that the Government will not pay out any more money than it is currently offering.