Teacher unions call for urgent talks to resolve Fórsa dispute

The ASTI, INTO and TUI are jointly calling on the Government to immediately enter negotiations with Fórsa to resolve the issues that have led to ongoing industrial action by school secretaries and caretakers.

In a joint statement today, the general secretaries of the three teacher unions said:

“Since the strike began a week ago, teachers across the country have stood in solidarity with these essential school staff, whose work is indispensable and vital to the smooth running of our schools.

These workers have been left with no choice but to take action in pursuit of basic entitlements, including access to public service pensions, occupational sick pay, critical illness protocols, and bereavement leave. Their campaign has widespread support within the education community and among the general public because their demands are fair, their contribution is invaluable, and their treatment to date has been unjust.

After a week of disruption, it is clear that schools are struggling to operate as normal. This situation is unsustainable. All industrial disputes are ultimately resolved through face-to-face talks, and it is now incumbent on the State to utilise its dispute-resolution bodies to propose solutions and effect an agreement that will settle the current dispute.

The three teacher unions urge Minister McEntee, Minister Chambers, and their respective departments to end the impasse by entering meaningful negotiations as a matter of urgency. The time for government intervention is now.”