School Secretaries and Caretakers Strike in Sligo, Demanding Equal Rights

BREAKING: School secretaries and caretakers are on strike in Sligo, demanding equal pension and benefits as teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). This indefinite strike, initiated by Forsa members, reflects growing frustration over compensation disparities within the educational system.

Protests are escalating across Ireland, with significant demonstrations happening in Sligo today, August 29, 2025. Striking workers from Donegal joined the Sligo protest, amplifying their call for justice and recognition in their roles. Kieran Christie, General Secretary of the ASTI, emphasized the immediate impact of this strike, stating that schools are already feeling the strain of losing essential staff like secretaries and caretakers.

“This situation is unsustainable,” Christie warned, highlighting that the absence of these critical roles will only deepen the challenges schools face. The urgency of this protest cannot be understated, as it threatens to disrupt the educational environment for countless students.

As the strike continues, the pressure mounts on education authorities to address these demands. The Forsa union insists that until their calls for equitable treatment are met, the strike will persist. The implications of this action are profound, affecting not only the workers involved but also the quality of education available to students.

Observers are urged to monitor developments closely, as ongoing negotiations could lead to either a resolution or an escalation of the strike. The situation is fluid, and further protests are likely in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.