Longford senator urges both sides to go to WRC in school secretaries’ dispute

Longford Senator, Joe Flaherty, has urged both sides in the school secretaries / caretakers dispute to return to the Workplace Relation Commission as soon as possible.

Senator Flaherty was on the ticket line with staff members in Longford this week and said public support for the workers is unprecedented.

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Senator Flaherty said: “There is  no disputing the level of support for the strike across the community and this week’s industrial  action has been very successful in that regard. But ultimately we have to acknowledge that the action continued in the face of arguably  the most difficult and protracted  Budget negotiations for some years. It is difficult see a major concession on key points in the strikers’ demands at this point and we still have six weeks to run before Budget 2026.”

Urging both  parties  to return to the WRC in the hope of a negotiated  settlement, Senator Flaherty added: “The key issue and probable sticking point will be access to public service pension but several other asks  such as access to  sick pay and bereavement pay can be reasonably and effectively  addressed through WRC  mediation  and I don’t feel  it unreasonable to propose working towards an agreed framework that will ultimately address the pension issue also.”

He added: I know many of the school staff affected and their passion and commitment is unrivalled. They don’t want to be involved in this industrial action but felt they had to make a statement and have done so effectively.”

He added: “I genuinely  feel that the Forsa members’  best interests  will be best served at this point by a return  to WRC negotiations.  They have put down a firm marker and there is no question but public support in with them and politicians  the length and breath of Ireland are now articulating the need for a resolution.”

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Concluded Senator Flaherty: “The best route  to a resolution or agreement at this juncture  is through the WRC and I am urging both the Dept and Forsa  to return to the WRC without delay in the best tinted of the workers and our school communities.”