School secretaries and caretakers represented by Fórsa have voted overwhelmingly to accept proposals negotiated at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), with 94% voting in favour on a turnout of just over 88%.
The ballot result marks a significant step towards resolving a long-running dispute over pay, pensions and employment conditions for school secretaries and caretakers.
The proposals, which followed an intensive period of negotiations in early 2026, address the union’s outstanding claims and build on commitments made when strike action was suspended just over a year ago.
Key improvements include implementation of the Labour Court recommendation on pension lump sums and gratuity payments, improved sick leave arrangements, paid bereavement leave and a new pay structure for school caretakers.
Caretakers will receive backdated pay to March 2026 and move, by March next year, to a pay scale aligned with that applying to Education and Training Board (ETB) caretakers. Long-serving workers will be assimilated at appropriate points on the scale. The proposals also provide for a move to a central Department of Education payroll service and for salaries to be annualised over 12 months.
Both school secretaries and caretakers will benefit from paid bereavement leave, and enhanced sick leave provisions.
Commenting on the result, Fórsa Head of Education Andy Pike said: “The result reflects the commitment and solidarity of school secretaries and caretakers throughout a lengthy and challenging process. A 94% vote in favour, on a turnout of more than 88%, is a very strong endorsement of these proposals.
“Our branch representatives showed considerable determination throughout negotiations, working to secure improvements that recognise the contribution these workers make to our schools and address longstanding inequalities in their employment conditions.
“While the negotiations were difficult, this outcome represents important progress on pensions, pay, sick leave and bereavement leave. We will now work to ensure the agreed measures are implemented as provided for in the proposals.
“I want to thank all our members and branch representatives for their commitment and solidarity throughout this process. This outcome has been more than two decades in the making,” he said.
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