In Ireland, thousands of school secretaries and caretakers are currently on an indefinite strike with Fórsa trade union. This is because despite filling crucial roles and taking on many responsibilities, they do not get fair pensions. In their words from the Fórsa website (which I will link at the bottom): "School secretaries and caretakers across the country begin indefinite strike action today (Thursday 28th August) in a campaign by Fórsa trade union to secure equal treatment and pension inclusion for over 2,600 school staff." 

They will be continuing the strike until their requests are granted, and this will affect the school system as a whole. While they are on strike, teachers and SNAs will be under significantly more pressure within schools. Principals, deputy principals, teachers, and SNAs will be forced to take up more of the work around the school and will have less time to assist students. They are a fundamental part of running schools, and below I have listed a few of their responsibilities.

Secretaries:

• To manage school supplies and ensure there are enough resources for all classes.
• To ensure that all students are where they are supposed to be. 
• To manage emails and phone calls from parents.
• To keep track of what rooms are available at any given time.
• To arrange meetings.
• To arrange for sick students to be sent home.

Caretakers: 

• To ensure all technology is running smoothly.
• To repair any damage to equipment, eg: a damaged table.
• To open and close buildings and rooms as needed.
• To keep track of any and all keys to the buildings and rooms which have been entrusted to them.
• To assist with maintenance of the school in general.
• To see to the heating requirements of the school and safeguard heating and water pipes during cold months.

As a student of an Educate Together Secondary School, one of the schools supporting the strike, I feel very strongly about this issue. Our secretaries and caretakers are very kind, helpful, and supportive. They do so much for us, and deserve to have a secure pension. I really hope that that this strike is successful, and the people involved in the strike get all of their goals met. If you agree, please sign this petition to help them show that they have support from the rest of the country.

Link to Fórsa statement and website.

IMPORTANT: If you sign this petition, your name will be visible on the website to anyone that views the petition.