Following the conclusion of negotiations between representatives of Fórsa's school secretaries and caretakers’ branches and the Department of Education and Youth, which concluded Wednesday 2nd September, a series of nationwide information meetings for members have now begun.
A ballot asking members if they accept or reject the WRC proposals and the Labour Court’s recommendation, will open on Thursday 1st October.
Members are encouraged to attend these meetings as they are an opportunity to clear up any confusion they may have ahead of the ballot.
Head of Fórsa’s Education division, Andy Pike said: “We hope to see as many members as possible at these meetings. There is a lot covered in these proposals, and we want to make sure no members have questions that go unanswered.”
While pensions were the headline issue during last year’s strike, there were a number of other claims in the dispute. These issues were also part of the negotiations, and included a pay structure for caretakers, sick leave, acute illness leave, and bereavement leave.
Andy said: “It is incredible to see how far we’ve come. It took years of work, and huge efforts of our members to get to the point where we have a deal to put to ballot.”
“This deal is a big step forward for school secretaries and school caretakers across the country. We left no stone unturned in the past year of intensive negotiations. While this may not be the full package that we all wanted, it will change the lives of many of our members.”
“We have gone as far as we can go with the WRC and the Labour Court. It is now up to members to decide what happens next.”
Information meetings have already begun, with meetings taking place in Athlone, Castlebar and City North this week, and more due to take place across the country in coming days.
Each meeting will begin at 7.30pm, with registration opening at 6.45pm. Meetings are open to members of Fórsa’s School Secretaries and Caretaker branches only. Caretakers and Secretaries currently paid by their local school employer can join the union at the meetings.
The meetings will take place on the following dates and locations:
| Galway |
Gort Community School |
H91 C9K1 |
21st September |
| Cork |
Watergrasshill National School |
T56 EW80 |
22nd September |
| Dublin |
Hansfield Educate Together NS |
D15 H1FC |
22nd September |
| Kerry |
Moyderwell NS Tralee |
V92 AE70 |
23rd September |
| Cavan |
Hotel Kilmore |
H12 F6Y7 |
23rd September |
| Waterford |
Education Centre |
X91 XD98 |
24th September |
| Sligo |
Fórsa Office |
F91 HHX4 |
28th September |
| Letterkenny |
St. Patricks NS |
F92 HP82 |
29th September |
| Limerick |
Fórsa Office |
V94 YY31 |
29th September |
You can register to attend the information meetings here.
Like