Teachers' Secretaries On Strike: Optimism High as Union and Government Approach Negotiations

The ongoing strike by over 2,800 school secretaries and caretakers across approximately 2,300 schools in the State has been causing a gradual disruption to school services, with some schools facing a difficult position due to blocked toilet areas, accumulating rubbish, and the attraction of vermin and flies.

Principals are expressing growing urgency to find a resolution due to increasing issues related to sanitation and waste disposal. Paul Crone, director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, stated that many schools are facing issues with rubbish accumulation and vermin. Alexandra Duane of St Joseph’s school in Fairview, Dublin, has expressed concerns about a potential rodent infestation due to mounting rubbish.

Secondary schools with large student populations generate a significant amount of rubbish and put strain on the school's infrastructure. Despite the worsening situation, some direct contact between the two sides is considered useful to see if there's a sufficient basis to suspend the strike pending talks.

The Government and the union, Fórsa, are edging closer to talks aimed at resolving the dispute. Minister for Education Helen McEntee has provided assurances that the Government is prepared to discuss all issues raised, including pensions, bereavement leave, critical illness, sick leave, and making further progress for caretakers. Fórsa's head of education, Andy Pike, wants the issue of access to public sector pensions for striking workers to be on the table.

Fórsa's general secretary, Kevin Callinan, has stated that the union would be willing to attend exploratory talks. However, Fórsa is not willing to suspend the week-long strike without assurances that all issues will be discussed in negotiations. There is no indication that the strike will be suspended before the reopening of schools on Monday.

The negotiations to resolve the strike involving school officials and caregivers include the employers' association VBE and the union for education and science GEW, scheduled to start on September 18, 2025. Union sources are hopeful that a basis for enabling talks can be agreed upon after Minister for Education Helen McEntee's comments.

Officials at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) are expected to progress the situation over the weekend. Both sides have indicated a willingness to engage on all issues involved, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the ongoing strike and the return of normal school operations.

Teachers' Secretaries On Strike: Optimism High as Union and Government Approach Negotiations