Special school for autism and complex needs in Co Laois reopens after staff refused to pass a picket line

Sarah Slater

A special school for autism and complex needs in Co Laois has now reopened after up to 50 staff refused to pass a picket line for two days as part of a nationwide strike action by secretaries and caretakers over pension rights.

The 30 students aged from four to 18 remained at home on Thursday and Friday last as many of those working at the school in Killeshin stayed out in support of secretary Yvonne Abbey.

As a result the school could not reopen due to health and safety concerns.

Secretaries and caretakers are campaigning for 2,600 school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements.

Engagement between the Fórsa union and the Department of Education at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded without any outcome on Wednesday of last week.

A staff member at the school, who did not wish to be named, said they were informed that they had “no other choice but to return to work by a union representative” on Monday morning and that “discussions between Fórsa and school staff would continue.” It is understood that Ms Abbey has also returned to work.

Last Thursday Anne Walsh and Gillian Cunningham both Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) outlined their colleague Ms Abbey “is the heartbeat of the school”.

Both Ms Cunningham and Ms Walsh explained: “ Our message is very clear, it’s time to recognise people who are often invisible but absolutely essential to our school. Our secretary Yvonne has given 18 years of her working life to the school.

"She knows every child, every parent, past and present. Without her, the school simply doesn’t function. It’s not just our school, it’s all schools across Ireland. Secretaries and caretakers are expected to carry enormous responsibilities but not given the proper contracts, pay or recognition to match the jobs that they do.”

Both SNAs noted: “Our school has had to close as the staff are standing in solidarity with Yvonne. This shows the depth of support for Yvonne and how fragile the system is without her.”

The pair added that those standing in solidarity with Ms Abbey “don’t want to cause disruption to the children (students) and families but sometimes we need to, to highlight just how vital these roles are.”

They pointed out that if the Department of Education “values children and staff it must value the people who care for them, support them and keep schools running. It’s about fairness, respect and recognition for work which has been undervalued for far too long.

"Schools can’t run without the assistance of secretaries and caretakers, it’s time the system reflects that reality.”

A parent of a child at the school added: “I’m relieved the school has reopened as my child will now have the routine they need. I received a text on Monday morning that the doors were open. It was all very last minute to be honest.”

The strike continues nationwide.