Urgent Update: School Strikes in Kilkenny Called Off After Talks

UPDATE: Protests over pension and pay outside Kilkenny schools have been officially called off as of Friday, October 13, 2023. This urgent development comes after the Forsa Trade Union reached an agreement with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to engage in negotiations aimed at resolving ongoing disputes regarding pay and pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers.

Just days ago, over 2,800 staff across 2,300 schools participated in industrial action, with protests erupting at school gates, including the notable demonstration at St Nicholas National School in Windgap. The striking workers sought better pay and working conditions, highlighting their essential roles within the educational system.

Local leaders, including Cllr Joe Lyons and TD Catherine O’Callaghan, stood in solidarity with the workers during protests. “The work of school secretaries goes way beyond the job description,” Cllr Lyons stated. “They are the first port of call for every student, providing assistance with every problem, no matter what it entails.”

The community responded with overwhelming support for the staff, emphasizing the critical role these workers play in ensuring smooth school operations. On Friday, following extensive discussions, Forsa announced the suspension of strike actions, citing a significant governmental commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for these vital school employees.

The agreement is seen as a major step forward in addressing the longstanding issues regarding pay and conditions for school secretaries and caretakers. As negotiations proceed, stakeholders are hopeful that a fair resolution will be reached that acknowledges the invaluable contributions of these workers in schools across Kilkenny and beyond.

As this situation develops, parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed. The potential outcomes of these negotiations could have lasting implications on staffing and operations within local schools.

Stay tuned for more updates as details unfold.