'Horrifying to hear what childcare workers are dealing with': Cork councillor concern over impact of practitioners strike

WORKPLACES in Cork are in danger of being brought to a standstill this month as childcare practitioners stage a three-day strike.

This was the warning from Macroom Fine Gael councillor Eileen Lynch, who expressed fears of a knock-on impact for other local sectors at a meeting of Cork County Council this week. She was speaking in response to news of a three-day strike which was recently described as not “warranted” by Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

The Federation of Early Childhood Providers announced that a number of childcare workers will be temporarily closing their doors from September 26-28.

More than 180 creches have shut since last year in spite of the introduction of Government funding to reinvigorate the sector.

Ms Lynch’s concerns formed part of a joint motion with FG councillor Kay Dawson. It called on Mr O’Gorman to “actively engage with providers of early learning childcare and school-age childcare to ensure that adequate funding is made available for the services that are being provided”.

Ms Lynch said: “The lack of childcare services will bring many workplaces to a standstill.”

She added that the closure of more childcare facilities could force parents out of the workplace.

Her comments follow numerous representations from childcare providers within her constituency.

“It’s horrifying to hear the stories of childcare workers and what they are dealing with,” she said.

“They are struggling with massive financial pressure. Many are living from week to week. They are unsure if they will be able to pay staff wages, let alone pay themselves.

“Independent providers have no entitlement to maternity leave and their job is not recognised by financial institutions. This can make it difficult for them to apply for a loan or mortgage. Many of these people have degrees in childcare and education and they are providing one of the most important services in our country. The minister for children is not fully engaging with them.”

She described how the industry is suffering as a result of what she referred to as “State intrusion”.

“The issue which is in dispute here is the core funding model,” she said. “This is a grant that is given to early and school-age childcare providers towards our operation costs. It means childcare providers cannot increase their fees from 2021 levels. They have to be compliant with employment regulation orders.

“There is a goal within the core funding model that 50% of childhood educators will have a degree by 2028. While there are positive parts to the scheme, those in the childcare industry are trying to provide viable businesses with significant State intrusion without the financial State support to back that up”.

Staff shortages are among the many issues being brought to her attention.

“Childcare providers are unable to pay staff, who leave for better pay and conditions,” she said. “Owners are suffering from high levels of stress and burnout. Larger issues like meeting the diverse needs of children with additional needs are placing further challenges such as access to resources and waiting times for assessments on children with different needs.”