School strike action stops Saplings Special School from opening

INDEFINITE strike action by secretaries and caretakers nationwide has meant that Saplings Special School for autism and complex needs has not reopened after the summer break.

The 30 students, aged from 4 to 18, remained at home as many of those working at the school in Killeshin stood in solidarity with their secretary Yvonne Abbey. The school could not open due to there not being enough staff available They are campaigning for 2,600 school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements.

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

Anne Walsh and Gillian Cunningham, both Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) speaking to the Carlow Nationalist, outlined their colleague “is the heartbeat of the school”.

“Yvonne is there to support all of us, the parents, staff and students, she goes above and beyond for everyone. We are a family and we stand by her. She is vital to our school and we did not take this decision lightly,” explained Ms Walsh.

Parents of the children were notified on Tuesday that the school would not be re-opening.

Ms Walsh outlined that Ms Abbey deserves the “same respect and entitlements as other staff members, so we are not crossing the picket line. People just don’t see the work that secretaries do and all they want is fair treatment.” Both Ms Cunningham and Ms Walsh continued: “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 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 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.” However, the move by those working at the school to “stand solidarity” with Ms Abbey has angered one parent who has a child attending the school.

The parent who did not wish to be named said they were “very annoyed”.

“My child really needs routine, and this action is not helping. I don’t know why the entire school has to close. Other schools countrywide are closing their offices but teachers and principals are dealing with issues,” the parent said.

“We found out very late on Tuesday evening that the school wasn’t opening on Thursday and Friday. It’s not fair to the students and their parents. These are children who have to be prepared for going back to school due to their needs. This move is just not good enough. I understand that secretaries and caretakers need to do this, but it shouldn’t mean that Saplings closes completely.

“I’m sure some parents are exhausted and frazzled and were supposed to go back to jobs etc after their children’s nine weeks summer break without any support. To spring this on us is not right. There was no alternative care offered to us by the school. These are the very children who need additional support not additional stress by such actions”.

The strike continues nationwide.