The union has confirmed that a central part of the deal is a Government commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for all staff.
Fórsa trade union has called off its strike action by school Secretaries and Caretakers, having reaching an agreement with the present Government through the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Fórsa’s Head of Education, Mr Andy Pike, welcomed the breakthrough, describing it as “a major step forward” for their members.
He said the commitment to negotiate pensions represented a “significant advance” and that progress on leave and payroll would provide a fair basis for staff to return to work.
The agreement also provides for discussions on a range of workplace issues, including a new pay framework for caretakers; access to bereavement and sick leave; acute illness protocols and the full implementation of payroll arrangements.
The government has welcomed Fórsa’s decision to suspend strike action and enter discussions. They have praised the resilience of school communities during this dispute, while urging both sides to approach talks in good faith.
Formal discussions under the council of the WRC, will commence on Wednesday, September 10th next.
Very good.