Bishop of Waterford & Lismore voices support for school secretaries and caretakers

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan has expressed his support to school secretaries and caretakers.

School secretaries and caretakers across the country began picketing outside their schools last week, as part of an indefinite nationwide strike, resulting from a dispute over pension parity.

Currently, school secretaries and caretakers do not have access to public service pensions and have limited sick leave allowance.

They continue to fight for parity with their colleagues in the education sector and are calling for the Department of Education to classify them as public servants, which would entitle them to a public service pension among other benefits.

Speaking on the matter this week, Bishop Cullinan explained the role of secretaries and caretakers as "absolutely essential."

"They contribute not only through their work but also through the care, dedication, and presence they bring to the whole school community.

"School secretaries are often the first point of contact for families and children, offering a welcoming presence and a listening ear.

"Caretakers ensure the safety, cleanliness, and proper functioning of the school environment. These contributions, though sometimes unseen, are invaluable.

"They create the conditions in which teaching and learning can flourish, and they provide support and reassurance to pupils, staff, and parents alike."

"I offer my prayers and support to all those who serve in these roles and to the wider school communities who benefit daily from their quiet dedication. May our society grow in recognising the inherent dignity of all work and all workers, and may justice guide our decisions in these matters."

More on this story is available at waterford-news.ie