The new draft public service pay agreement provides for early talks on reducing the 72-hour component of the SNA contract, through a process of re-engagement on the previously rejected SNA Workforce Development Plan (SNAWDP).
The 72-hour obligation was introduced in 2011 under the Croke Park agreement. It is considered one of the last vestiges of the austerity measures that followed the financial crisis. The measure has always been controversial because many schools did not use the hours for the purpose specified in the 2011 circular, which was to support students with additional care needs.
The new draft pay agreement places discussions on the 72-hour obligation within the local bargaining framework. It requires engagement to take place quickly on reducing the hours.
It also provides for re-engagement as soon as possible, with the intention of bringing a revised SNAWDP into effect from September 2027.
Fórsa’s head of Education, Andy Pike, says the clause commits the union to discussions, not to accepting the rejected proposals or agreeing to impose them.
In a letter issued to SNA members yesterday (Thursday 12th November), Andy responded to misinformation, circulated online, about the agreement. He said claims that the agreement would impose the plan on members were categorically incorrect. Any revised proposals negotiated by Fórsa would go to members in a ballot for acceptance or rejection.
Andy added: “Entering a fresh process to improve the plan under the new agreement would unlock the previously withheld local bargaining pay offer. Re-engagement would not, however, commit the union to reaching agreement on any issue.”
He said both the local bargaining increase, and planned national pay increases, would be paid to SNAs if the union returns to negotiations. He emphasised that engagement is needed to protect members’ pay and job security, address SNA reviews “and to secure a robust redeployment scheme ahead of 2027 allocations.”
Members rejected the earlier SNAWDP in a ballot during the summer, following which Fórsa secured the withdrawal of the plan and associated circulars last August. Andy says there have been no talks with the Department of Education on those issues since then.
Andy added: “It is crucial to note that members will have the final say through a ballot, while fresh negotiations offer an opportunity to improve the proposals, including reducing the 72-hour obligation, which members have sought to abolish since its introduction.
“However, members should only make an informed decision based on accurate information about the new draft pay agreement and its provisions for a process of reengagement with SNAs,” he said.
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