Dear members,

The past two days have been nothing short of incredible. Seeing thousands of school secretaries and caretakers rally for pension justice and fair leave in Dublin and around the country has been inspiring. You have shown your power, determination and commitment to this campaign. Thank you.   

Monday 1st September is the first day of picketing outside schools. It's a brave and courageous thing you are doing but you are not alone. You have an incredible amount of support from school staff and students, politicians, and the public.  

This email is about two things – one thing to do on Monday, and one thing to read to see how much support you really do have.  

1) Take a photo: Let’s show the government (who are watching closely) what a powerful group you are!  

When you’re on the picket line  and if you can, please take a photo (a selfie is great). Send to comms@forsa.ie or post on your own social media with the hashtag #PensionParity. The photos will be used across social media, on the Fórsa website, and elsewhere. 

Please make sure there are no children in the photos, but other adults are welcome.  

2) Read the solidarity messages: We have collected over 1,000 messages from other trade union members in a show of support and solidarity. You can read them all here. Below are just a few of them: 

Messages of solidarity: 

Kenneth Kennedy, Parent and trade union member

“You looked after our kids and their school. It's time someone made sure you were looked after.” 

Anna Tapper, Teacher 

"You are so right to pursue this fight for your rights to a fair pension. The nonsense of treating some school staff differently is going on far too long, and you should be proud to stand up for what should be an obvious part of your employment conditions. All school staff are equally important for the safety and wellbeing of students and their families, and there must be equality of terms for all of us. Stay strong!"

Petrina Clinton, SNA 

"In my opinion secretaries and caretakers keep the schools running. Secretaries especially are the first port of call for most visitors to the school. They do so much work, without them school wouldn't be able to function. Caretakers add so much value to schools, they keep schools safe, clean, a role model for children to look up to. Time for change, I hope the government listen and give you guys what your looking for. We're all the same."  

David Mannion, Chairperson Fórsa Dublin Care Services Branch  

"You all have been a long journey leading to you having to take industrial action to achieve equality in your work place. You all do an amazing job and all you are asking for is fairness and the work you do to be recognised like all the other professionals in the Education System. 

It is daunting but what you are doing is for yourselves but also for future colleagues that come behind you. You are all brave and the courage you are showing is amazing as it's not an easy stance to take. Your solidarity is amazing, and we will be joining you on the picket line..."

Brid Dunne, Senior Occupational Therapist CAMHS 

"Your work is absolutely essential to the safety, well-being, education and development of Ireland’s young people. Without your important work, the education system would fall apart. In addition, in health and social care services, we are hugely appreciative of the role you play in facilitating communication and ensuring children get the support they need. You deserve the same conditions of employment as other school staff and I would like to wish you success with your industrial action. Up the workers!"

3) Strike resources: We have strike posters, badges, and flyers available to print out and share with coworkers, parents, and people in the community on our website. If you don't have enough materials for your picket please download these files, and print at home or in a local printshop.

In solidarity, 

Andy Pike

Head of Education