'Finally, some good news' - Fórsa secures agreement at WRC to resolve dispute

The news that an agreement has been reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to bring the current strike by school secretaries and caretakers to an end has been welcomed in Donegal.

Fórsa trade union confirmed that strike action will be withdrawn to allow the implementation of the agreement.

The key element of the agreement is a Government commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers. Fórsa said this breakthrough represents the first time the State has formally accepted the principle that these essential staff should not be excluded from pension entitlements comparable to those available to teachers and SNAs.

READ NEXT: Citizens Information Service to host advice session in Creeslough

In addition, the agreement provides for structured discussions on other parts of the union’s claim. This includes the conclusion of a pay framework agreement for caretakers (as agreed in the 2022 WRC process), access to bereavement leave, access to sick leave and acute illness protocols, and the full implementation of payroll arrangements.

“Finally, some good news,” Councillor Brian Carr of the Glenties MD posted. “Huge credit to the school secretaries and caretakers who stood tall, fought hard, and forced this government to listen, winning their place at the negotiation table on pay parity. Respect.

“This strike never needed to happen. If McEntee and Chambers had engaged with Fórsa from the start, workers shouldn’t have been left out in the rain fighting for basic fairness. Once again, this government had failed them. Fingers crossed, the talks deliver real results and this is resolved fully, not just put on hold.”

Buncrana-based councillor, Jack Murray posted: “It's always nice when the good guys win.
Delighted to wake to news that Forsa's school caretakers and secretaries have withdrawn from strike action as the government has, at last, agreed to come to the negotiating table with a commitment to discuss pension parity.

“It should never have taken this long, though. Hardworking people should not have been forced to stand in the rain, for days on end, to win basic entitlements. Their reasonable demands should have been met long ago. Nonetheless, it's a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.
We can all learn a lesson in that. People power will win the day. Thanks to everyone who made a stand and showed support for them.”