School secretaries and caretakers, who are members of the Fórsa trade union, are beginning indefinite strike action today.
The union said the move is necessary because the workers are being denied access to public sector pensions and other entitlements.
Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) yesterday failed to resolve the dispute.
Around three hours of exploratory talks were held, but the WRC concluded that the basis for negotiations was not apparent at this time.
The commission said it will continue to engage in the coming days and remains available to assist the parties.
“We went to the WRC in good faith, but yet again our members have been left with no clarity, or pathway to a fair pension,” said Fórsa’s Head of Education Andy Pike.
“Our members are beginning this strike today because, despite decades of service, thousands of school secretaries and caretakers still face the prospect of retiring with no pension,” Mr Pike said.
More than 2,600 school secretaries and caretakers are involved and Fórsa said around 2,000 schools will be impacted.
As part of the action, a rally will be held at the Department of Public Expenditure this morning.
The Department of Education has instructed schools to open as normal but unions have told their members to support the striking workers by refusing to carry out the duties of secretaries and caretakers.
Some schools have issued updates to parents warning that there will disruptions in areas such as office access, the answering of phone calls and replying to emails.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Youth said that it recognises the vitally important role of secretaries and caretakers within school communities.
“In recent years we have made progress in improving the terms and conditions of school secretaries.
“This has included secretaries being placed on the payroll of the department and linked to any increases in pay under public sector agreements, improved annual leave entitlements, improved maternity provisions and paid sick leave in excess of the statutory requirement.”
The department said it will continue to engage with all parties in the coming days, including the WRC, which remains available to assist with the resolution of the dispute.
The department added that it is actively working with its education partners on putting in place contingency arrangements to minimise disruption and support the continuity of learning for all students.
“During this action all schools are expected to open for all students,” a spokesperson said.
