School secretaries and caretakers are hosting information meetings ahead of strike action due to begin on Thursday 28th August. A form will issue imminently to members listing picket locations and strike logistics. 

With the impending strike by school secretaries and caretakers fast approaching, members are encouraged to attend an information session and begin preparing for the action. 

Chair of the school secretaries’ branch Luisa Carty said: “We need to be seen and heard at as many locations as possible to get our message across. So, we’ll be outside government departments and politicians’ constituency offices, and the Department of Education too, over the first two days, before we move on to picketing outside schools.” 

Explaining that information meetings are a useful way to connect with members in the same area, chair of the school caretakers’ branch David Hearne said: “We are encouraging members to come to a meeting in the next few weeks, even if you have never attended a meeting before."

“You’ll meet other members who will be on strike and get a better understanding of the plans. We know many of you might be the only member on strike in your school so it’s really important to make connections now so that you can all support each other.”

On the first day of the strike, Thursday 28th August, members will rally outside the Department of Public Expenditure to call for pension parity and an end to the unfair and untenable lack of equality at the heart of schools across the country. Buses will be organised to take members to Dublin from 10 locations.

Assistant general secretary Shane Lambert said: “It’s really important we have a massive turnout in Dublin on the first day of the strike, so that we show government and senior civil servants the significant level of feeling on this and let them know we aren’t for backing down nor will the issue go away quietly.”

“So, make a plan to get to Dublin for 11am and be ready to make some noise.  We have heard you loud and clear over the years, now it’s time to let the decision makers hear your frustration and see your resolve for themselves”.

Members will soon receive detailed correspondence outlining the logistics for the strike and explaining how to avail of strike pay.

The form features crucial information, including: a list of information meetings that will take place in August, details of rallies that will take place on the first two days of the strike, picket locations, and the administrative information needed to be eligible for strike pay. 

All members must complete the form to avail of strike pay. 

Industrial officer Seamus Ryan said: “We really need all members to complete the form when they get it. The information it asks for is vital to helping us organise and plan an effective strike. Without it, we won’t have the impact we need to have to solve this issue once and for all.”

If you have any queries, please contact educationstrike@forsa.ie.

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