SIPTU members in the Early Years sector have overwhelmingly rejected pay proposals from employer representative groups.
The union said ballot results showed a more than 98% rejection of offers presented by Childhood Services Ireland (CSI) and the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP).
It said proposed pay offers ranged from 4.4% to 5.3% for Educators and 12.4% to 16% for Managers.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson, said they are seeking an increase in the minimum Educator rate from €15.00 to at least €16.00 per hour, with similar improvements for Lead Educators and Managers.
” We also want the full €45 million Government allocation for pay in the sector reflected in higher minimum Employment Regulation Order rates,” she said.
The union said educators deserve a fair pay rise that recognises their valuable contribution and helps them meet the rising cost of living and the ballot reflects growing frustration over low pay and staffing shortages.
SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising, Darragh O’Connor said thatrcent data from the State agency Pobal indicates that there are more than 1,400 vacant Educator posts.
“The CSO’s 2024 OECD TALIS Early Learning and Care survey found that among Early Years workers, 76% were dissatisfied with their pay, 71% did not feel valued by society, and 53% identified insufficient qualified staff as the biggest barrier to the provision of quality services.
“Low pay is driving recruitment and retention problems across the sector. A fair pay increase is essential to value Educators and secure the sustainability of Early Years services.”
Mr O’Connor also said the Government’s €45 million pay fund is available from 1st September, however it will not be released until a new pay agreement is reached in the sector.
“SIPTU has written to employer representatives calling for an immediate return to negotiations and constructive engagement to secure a fair pay deal,” he said.
