School secretaries’ pension dispute
Deputy O’Rourke sought assurances that the Government would engage constructively with the Labour Court over school secretaries’ and caretakers’ pensions; the Tánaiste agreed to good-faith participation.
With the school secretaries and caretakers pension dispute now referred to the Labour Court for 12 January, these dedicated staff are deeply anxious. They engaged in the process in good faith and ended their strike on the promise of a resolution. Given the recent breakdown at the WRC, the fundamental commitment to a fair pension comparable to teachers and SNAs and all their long years of service, will the Tánaiste give a direct assurance to these workers now that the Government will engage constructively with the Labour Court process to deliver this and will not, through inaction or inadequate offers, force them out on strike again?
Comment on this
I agree with Deputy O’Rourke on the point that we all want to see a successful resolution to this. School secretaries and caretakers play an important role in our communities. They are engaging, as is the State, in good faith to try to make progress. I welcome the fact that it has now been referred to the Labour Court. The Labour Court has a strong track record of resolving such disputes. Of course, the State side will engage in good faith to try to find a resolution.