Council pledge support to Wicklow school staff on strike
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has expressed “deep concern” at the current industrial action being taken by secretaries and caretakers in schools across the county.
A motion brought forward by Cllr Joe Behan and seconded by Cllr Peir Leonard received unanimous support during the council’s monthly meeting on Monday afternoon.
The council also conveyed its support for those on the picket lines in their “legitimate request for parity with other similar school employees regarding pension entitlement, critical illness and bereavement leave.”
The council has agreed to write to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Education Minister and Public Expenditure Minister requesting the issue be resolved as a matter of urgency.
Speaking during the meeting Cllr Behan said these workers deserve to be seen and heard.
“Our schools could not survive without the magnificent work done by our school secretaries and caretakers, and we should show our appreciation to them by calling on the Government to recognise their value to our school communities and settle this dispute urgently.”
Cllr Leonard pledged her support believing it was an important motion, calling on the staff to “keep up the fight”.
“You are all right and deserve to be listened to.” she added.
School staff believe the strike action is necessary because they’re being denied access to public service pensions and other entitlements.
Schools are continuing as normal and the Forsa trade union which represents them has asked remaining staff not to carry out secretary or caretaker duties.
The union says there has been no engagement from central government since discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission took place last week with over 2,600 staff affected nationwide.
Staff have vowed to continue their strike action until they reach a deal on their demands.