Dear Member,

Over 2,600 of our members are on their fifth day of indefinite strike action.

These school secretaries and caretakers are seeking parity with other school staff, teachers and SNAs, in relation to pensions and other conditions of employment like sick leave and bereavement leave.

In public statements the union has made it clear that a commitment by government to admit the workers to the public service pension scheme would be sufficient for the strike to be called off. The details would be for negotiation.

Our members do not want to be on strike, but they are showing extraordinary courage and determination. Today, I am asking you to help them in any way you can.

Many of you will understand the game that is being played by the government. Despite over two months’ notice, talks at the Workplace Relations Commission were not convened until last Wednesday – the day before the strike was due to commence. They were adjourned after a few hours to allow time for the management side to reflect. In the event no position was put forward following this period of reflection and the strike commenced last Thursday. 

While the Department of Education would probably like to reach a settlement, it seems clear that progress on the pension issue is being blocked by the Minister of Public Expenditure and his senior officials. This would explain why the Workplace Relations Commission has assessed that there is no point to further talks at this time.

You can help your fellow Fórsa members:

• If you haven’t already, sign the pledge of support here.
• Visit your local school picket line to demonstrate your solidarity
• Importantly: email your government TDs to call for this injustice to be addressed. A template you can use is available here.

These small steps can made a big difference. Please act now if you can.

It’s their fight today; it could be yours tomorrow.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Callinan

General Secretary