The union’s comments come ahead of an indefinite strike set to begin next Thursday, 28 August, involving around 2,600 Fórsa members. The action aims to secure employment terms, including pension rights, already enjoyed by other public service workers.

Secretaries and caretakers had warned in June that they might strike once the new school year began, following a trade union ballot showing overwhelming support. If it proceeds, schools outside the State’s Education and Training Boards sector will be affected. Fórsa reports that 98% of its members in these roles backed the action.

Andy Pike, Fórsa’s national secretary, criticised the State for denying public service status to these staff, calling it “a calculated policy decision to maintain inequality, regardless of the cost to those affected.” He said the policy has excluded generations of school workers from secure retirement income.

Despite working in the same schools, under the same boards of management, and on the same departmental payroll as teachers and special needs assistants, secretaries and caretakers are treated as “second-class staff,” missing key entitlements such as occupational sick pay and bereavement leave.

The union highlighted that decades of political engagement and promises have failed to secure pension justice. Fórsa members plan to rally outside the Department of Public Expenditure on Merrion Street, Dublin, on the first day of the strike.

Fórsa has also formally notified the Department of Education that it remains willing to engage in talks over public service status and pension inclusion. The Department acknowledged the vital role of secretaries and caretakers, noting recent improvements including payroll alignment, enhanced leave and maternity provisions, and paid sick leave beyond statutory requirements. The matter has been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission, and the Department said it will continue to engage with all parties to resolve the dispute.