More than 2,300 school secretaries begin ballot on strike action
A spokesperson at Fórsa, which represents school secretaries in primary and secondary schools, said the ballot began today.
It is part of a campaign to enable school secretaries to become member of a public service pension scheme.
Union officials said they are excluded from the pension scheme despite joining the Department of Education's centralised payroll in 2023.
Andy Pike, Fórsa's head of education, said a union agreement with the department in 2023 successfully standardised pay and conditions for school secretaries, ending years of disparity in pay, contracts, and job security.
'It was a landmark agreement, marking a major step forward in recognising the critical role of school secretaries in our education system,' he said.
'However, the agreement did not include pension provision under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, and this has left a significant gap in the effort to achieve full equality.'
He said pension justice is an inseparable part of the process of regularising school secretaries into Department of Education employment.
Mr Pike said they must be afforded the same pension entitlements as other public service workers.
'School secretaries are highly skilled and dedicated professionals,' he said.
He said they play a central role in the daily operations of every school and provide crucial leadership in every school community.
ADVERTISEMENT
'That school secretaries remain excluded from the public service pension scheme undermines the progress already made,' he said.
He said the ballot reflects members' determination to see the process through to its conclusion.
Mr Pike said Fórsa is urging the Department of Education and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to re-engage meaningfully on the matter.
'A fair and equitable resolution must be reached,' he said.
'School secretaries deserve to be treated in the same way as other public service workers under the department's remit.'
The ballot will end on Tuesday, June 11.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Irish Times
Government should consider allowing unions to collect subs from non-members who benefit from pay deals, consultation told
The country's largest public service trade union has urged the Government to consider a Canadian system which would require workers who benefit from salary deals or other collective agreements to pay dues or subscriptions even if they are not members. Fórsa has told a Government-established consultation process that 'free-riding' is a growing problem for trade unions. At present just over a quarter of all workers in Ireland are members of trade unions, a substantial portion of them in the public sector, who benefit from union-negotiated deals. But in a significant number of cases employees who are not union members benefit equally from pay increases or other negotiations carried out by unions on behalf of their members in the same company or organisation. READ MORE Research by John Geary and Maria Belizon at UCD has suggested more than a third of workers in unionised workplaces could be categorised as 'free-riders', with the figure running to more than half in unionised private sector places of employment. In a submission to a public consultation process on the formulation of an action plan due to be drawn up later this year by Government to promote greater collective bargaining coverage, Fórsa said there was a strong relationship between trade union membership and union-negotiated collective agreements. It argued 'free-riding' was a growing problem for trade unions. This, it said, was primarily because of the associated costs of union organising and the financial loss incurred from non-members benefiting from improved pay and conditions without contributing to the collective effort through membership subscription fees or participating in collective industrial action. 'To help address the issue of 'free-riders' and declining density, and to build and strengthen the capacity of trade unions through incentivising membership, Fórsa recommends the Government consider proposals to allow unions to collect subscription fees or union dues from all employees, including members and non-members, similar to the Rand Formula which exists in Canada.' As part of its submission on the action plan, which is required of the Government under the terms of Adequate Minimum Wages Directive , the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) made 35 recommendations. Congress, which represents more than 40 affiliated trade unions, has been involved in a sustained campaign to influence the way Government implements the directive and has been critical of what it sees as a lack of action taken so far. In its submission, it calls for a range of measures including access to private sector workplaces for unions, protections where industrial action is taken and making a willingness to engage with unions a requirement for access to State supports. Ictu also argues that the Government should consider allowing State-subsidised but voluntary unemployment insurance which the unions would administer. They point to similar schemes already operating in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, where they have helped to sustain significantly higher level of union membership. Under the system, the schemes provide for additional payments which complement existing social protection measures for union members who lose their jobs. Ictu says introducing such a system in Ireland would be 'a major undertaking' but wants to see its viability examined. It also suggests a trial of default union membership at a semistate enterprise or other organisation receiving substantial public funding. Among the proposals from trade union Unite, meanwhile, is for the universal right to union recognition to be enshrined in a workers' rights act, with employers that contravened its terms prohibited from tendering for any public contracts.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Teachers' Union of Ireland members vote to accept proposed Leaving Certificate reforms
Members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland have voted to accept the proposed Leaving Certificate reform package rather than take industrial action. The union recommended that its members accept the proposals put forward by the Department of Education following a series of talks earlier this year. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) put the ballot to its members without a recommendation. Both unions had strongly opposed the Leaving Certificate reforms, set to begin in September, with teachers raising concerns around the readiness of schools to roll out the changes, along with the introduction of new project work components. In April, teaching delegates passed emergency motions at their annual congress calling for their unions to take industrial action if talks with the department failed to 'deliver an acceptable outcome". Following a vote on Friday, TUI members voted by a margin of 73% to 27% to accept the negotiated implementation measures for senior cycle redevelopment. TUI president David Waters said it is clear members still have a 'range of concerns' around various issues relating to the redevelopment process. "We will be insisting that the department honours the commitments set out in the negotiated document.' The TUI has specific concerns around system capacity for the roll-out of science subjects, the potential risks to assessment posed by AI, and the 'additional resourcing required to ensure that no students, particularly those in DEIS settings, are put at a disadvantage by any of the changes'. 'It is now imperative that these and any other arising issues are urgently addressed,' Mr Waters added. Read More Deis plan to emphasise retention of students up to Leaving Cert and beyond
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor May 28th: On Leaving Cert delays; offshore energy and Jayne Mansfield
Sir, –In Carl O'Brien's article in Monday's edition ( Leaving Cert reforms to be delayed in two key subjects) , he reports on the decision to delay the introduction of new subject specifications for Senior Cycle English and Accounting, after 'education authorities acknowledged that more time is needed to prepare for the changes', specifically in the planning for the Additional Assessment Components (AACs) in those subjects. I think this is prudent from the Department of Education and the Minister, as it is imperative that every effort is made to build solid foundations for a successful reform of the Leaving Certificate. However, it is disappointing that the same good judgment isn't being applied as schools prepare for the introduction of complex AACs in Leaving Cert Biology, Chemistry and Physics, being introduced into our schools this September. There are arguably far greater logistical and equity issues with their introduction; namely, a lack of school laboratories in schools (including many disadvantaged schools), a lack of specialist scientific equipment in those labs, no updated laboratory safety guidance or (long promised) guidelines on artificial intelligence. READ MORE While the Department of Education have announced additional funding for science in schools, the chemical supply companies are struggling to meet demand for updated equipment and there is no mechanism for schools to upgrade or expand their existing laboratory provision until the summer of 2026. Despite these issues, which have been brought to the Minister's attention by the teaching unions, the Irish Science Teachers' Association (82 per cent of their members say their schools are not equipped to facilitate these assessments), leading educationalists like Áine Hyland, your own columnists (including Breda O'Brien) and even within the NCCA's Subject Development Groups, they have been consistently ignored. The ISTA's sensible proposal to delay the AACs in those subjects – to provide the necessary time to address these challenges – have fallen on deaf ears; the ISTA proposal would still see the new subject curriculums in schools in September. While it's assuring to see common sense prevail with the decision to delay the introduction of English and Accounting, one hopes there is more common sense to go around and a judicious delay on the AACs in the senior sciences is also considered strongly. – Yours, etc, HUMPHREY JONES, Chairperson, Irish Science Teachers' Association Dublin 16 Mother's nature Like Bríd Miller (Letters May 26th), I very much enjoy Brianna Parkins's columns. I too had a mother who had views on clothes. On seeing an outfit which she did not like she would say 'Is that the fashion?'. Quite daunting! – Yours, etc. ANNE DOHERTY, Dublin 7 Planning and wind energy Sir, – Kevin O'Sullivan's article ( 'Wind Energy Ireland warns immediate Government action needed 'to protect' offshore wind 'opportunity'' May 27th ) points to increasing pressure on the Government to accelerate offshore wind development. While the need for progress is clear, proposals to streamline the planning process raise valid concerns. An Bord Pleanála plays a key role in ensuring that large-scale projects are properly assessed, and that scrutiny must be maintained to ensure fair and accountable decision making. In response to recent planning applications, the Board issued extensive requests for further information on east-coast projects including marine mammal disturbance, migratory bird routes, underwater noise, sediment transport, and the impact on tourism assets. Similar information requests probe cumulative environmental effects, commercial-fisheries safeguards, subsea-cable routing and onshore traffic management. The developments in question are often proposed in ecologically sensitive nearshore areas which require careful and informed assessment. Even a well-resourced planning authority will typically need multiple rounds of detailed information to fully understand the potential effects on marine ecosystems before any decision can be made. This is a necessary part of a responsible and transparent planning process. It is surprising for industry spokespeople to suggest that such concerns should have been entirely resolved at 'pre-planning' stage. Modern offshore projects span hundreds of square kilometres and involve turbines over 300 metres tall. Fast-tracking or bypassing such an important democratic safeguard risks undermining the planning system that protects biodiversity and heritage and ensures compliance with European environmental law. Since the Arklow Bank turbines were built almost 25 years ago, our offshore ambitions have repeatedly stalled. The shared failure of government and industry to deliver substantial new capacity should prompt sober reflection, not finger-pointing. The wind lobby would do well to acknowledge the reasons behind the volume of further information requests and public objections to these offshore projects, rather than viewing them as obstacles. The Government must resist pressure to override proper planning procedures in pursuit of short-term targets. Only through a transparent, evidence-based process that respects ecosystems, communities and established planning norms can Ireland meet its 2030 renewables and climate commitments. – Yours, etc MICHAEL O'MEARA, Fenor, Co Waterford. The cycle continues Sir, – I am not anti cyclists per se, but I have a big problem with a large majority of them who think a red traffic light entitles them to continue cycling. I very seldom see a cyclist stop at a red light/pedestrian crossing. I have pedestrian lights outside my gate and have never seen a cyclist stop on red. Also, why is there no law enforcing people to wear a helmet and a reflective band of some sort? I simply do not understand anybody getting on a bike without a helmet. – Yours, etc, LAURA O'MARA, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. Sir, – As a cyclist in Dublin for several decades, I can identify with Joe Humphrey's article. I too have impure thoughts as I glide by immobile cars, stuck yet again, in a traffic jam. I am also convinced that it is the supreme way to travel, especially in a city. Of all the drivers in Dublin city, my greatest respect and admiration goes to bus drivers. When, by necessity, I am in a bus lane and know there is a bus behind me that is unable to pass me, the driver has never honked at me to get out of the way. Obviously, not choosing to be right in front of a bus, I do get out of the way when I can. Even with such a large vehicle, bus drivers are never threatening to me as a cyclist, and observe the rules of the road in signalling and pulling out. Would that all road users would follow their good example and show likewise tolerance for each other. In conclusion, I often think of the line from 'Oklahoma' 'The cowboy and the farmer can be friends.' – Yours , etc, KATHLEEN FORDE, Whitehall, Dublin 9. Some bus service Sir, – I flagged down a bus from Malaga to the famous caves of Tesoro. My bus card was the wrong type. A young couple offered to let me use theirs for free. An elderly lady did also. Even the bus driver said it was ok to come on board. Not one spoke a word of English. I wonder what the Spanish phrase for 'blown away' is? –Yours, etc DAVID CURRAN, Knocknacarra, Co Galway. High definition Sir, – Your article (Irish revolutionary Madeleine ffrench-Mullen to be honoured with plaque at childhood home, May 24th ) states that the aforementioned and her partner Kathleen Lynn were 'radical Irish nationalists despite coming from middle-class Protestant backgrounds.' Really – Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet, Bulmer Hobson, Thomas Davis, Maud Gonne, Constance Gore-Booth? Maybe not as strict a delineation as the word 'despite' would suggest. –Yours, etc DAVID CLARKE, Edinburgh, Scotland. Jayne Mansfield comes to town On reading Tara Brady's report from the Cannes Film Festival (May19th) , and her coverage of Mariska Hargitay's documentary on Jayne Mansfield, 'My mom Jayne', I was taken straight back to Sunday, 23rd April, 1967 when my eleven-year-old self attended morning Mass in Saint John's Church, Tralee. The celebrant read out a letter from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kerry, Denis Moynihan, giving a whack of the episcopal crozier to Ms Mansfield's planned appearance at the Mount Brandon Hotel's ballroom that very evening. Naturally, His Lordship did not deign to mention the American star by name, we were told that 'a woman is being brought here tonight', rather as if Jayne Mansfield was making her way from Shannon Airport to Kerry under duress. The solemnly read letter made it clear to the bishop's flock that attending the performance to be given by 'the Goddess of Lust' would adversely affect his diocese's moral fibre. Bishop Moynihan's subordinate, Tralee's parish priest, the Dean of Kerry, Monsignor John Lane, went further, thundering about 'this attempt to besmirch the name of our town for the sake of filthy gain'. Perhaps the real concern of both these pillars of moral rectitude was that the punters were expected to turf out 10 shillings, a considerable sum in the Ireland of the mid-1960s, to admire the talents of the American 'sex siren' who was to receive £1,000 for singing six songs over a mere 35 minutes on stage. However, such was the clout of clerical strictures back then that he Bishop and the Dean got their way, even if hundreds of people turned up at the hotel to witness the arrival of the 'working man's Marilyn Monroe'. A hastily convened press conference informed the nation that the backup band's van had sadly broken down on the road from Dublin. Jayne Mansfield's performance was consequently cancelled and the punters could keep their ten shillings while consoling themselves, at the usual Sunday night ticket price, with local band D.J. (Curtin) and the Kerry Blues who had been lined up to back the American star in the first place. The much-talented Mansfield was tragically killed in a car accident in Mississipi two months later, leaving five children motherless. Almost six decades later we can look back with a mixture of amusement, annoyance, nostalgia and outrage to a time when such an innocuous event as an artiste's ballroom appearance could cause considerable controversy and push all our problems firmly on to the back burner while we in Kerry talked about little else. – Yours, etc, STEPHEN O'SULLIVAN, Paris, France. Housing solution Sir, –The solution to Ireland's housing and infrastructure problem is simple: Declare an emergency, cut through the planning bureaucracy and bring in several thousand skilled workers at all levels for a period of up to five years. The latter could be housed in spare cruise liners berthed around our ports so as not to add to the housing problem. An expensive solution? Yes, but the payback over the subsequent decades would justify this approach. – Yours, etc, JOE DUNNE, Co Cork. Trump's Harvard campaign Sir, – You report that Donald Trump has intensified his campaign against Harvard university, describing its international students as including 'radicalised lunatics' and threatening to take away billions in grants ('Trump threatens to give €3 billion in Harvard grants to trade schools', World, May 27th) . This is part of a wider attack by his administration, of course, on free speech within US academia and, regrettably, there has been some degree of compliance. Fintan O'Toole, among others, has highlighted, for example, the apparent capitulation of New York's prestigious Columbia University to the unethical pressure it has been put under by an increasingly authoritarian Trump administration ('If US universities won't stand up to Trump, no one will', Opinion, May 20th). In all of this, there are profoundly consequential issues at stake regarding intellectual freedom, academic independence and, more generally, around the right to protest and publicly dissent. It is clear that these principles are under threat and not just in the United States. This attack on intellectual freedom has been framed by the Trump administration as a counteraction to the vile belief system of anti-Semitism, but this is self-evidently a Trojan horse and the primary impetus is ideological and aimed at undermining presumed strongholds of 'liberal' or 'woke' values. Nonetheless, it is particularly disturbing that this aggressive suppression of academic independence and free speech is being done in defence of Israel's actions in Gaza. We live in dark times. – Yours, etc, FINTAN LANE, Lucan, Co Dublin.
