School secretaries and caretakers supported

“School secretaries and caretakers are a vital part of Ireland’s education system,” Cllr Seamus Coyle said introducing his motion supporting these staff members who are essential to the smooth running of every school.

The Fianna Fáil representative demanded that the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, and the government to “immediately address the long-running dispute over their access to the Public Service Pensions Scheme,”, which he said is a deserved entitlement for their service.

“There are over 2600 secretaries and caretakers demanding pay parity with their colleagues over sick and paid leave. They have inferior working conditions,” said Cllr Coyle.

Workers went on strike for eight days and went to the Work Relations Commission on three issues, and to the Labour Court in January. “It’s time to get the matter cleared up. I hope this is resolved. It could have resulted in a longer strike, and it is admirable that the secretaries and caretakers go back to work, having entered negotiations.”

Last month, the Labour Court held a hearing on the dispute. The court adjourned to consider the matter and will issue a ruling at a future date.

Sinn Féin’s Pat Treanor seconded the proposal: “This is a long-running dispute. We stood with them at the school gates. They are entitled to full pension, sick pay and pay parity, and should not have to resort to strike.”

Cathaoirleach Sinéad Flynn noted that the motion was unanimously agreed. Upon its adoption, Cllr Coyle asked that a notice of motion be forwarded to every Oireachtas member in Cavan and Monaghan, as well as the Fórsa trade union.