Government and opposition councillors back striking school secretaries and caretakers

The letter, circulated by People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy, has been endorsed by all group leaders on Dublin City Council.

The Group Leaders expressed solidarity with staff forced into indefinite strike action and urged the Ministers to intervene immediately to meet their demands so they can return to work.

Cllr Conor Reddy – People Before Profit

Cllr Cat O’Driscoll – Social Democrats

Cllr Daithí Doolan – Sinn Féin

Cllr Cieran Perry – Independent Group

Cllr Darragh Moriarty – Labour

Cllr Janet Horner – Green Party

Cllr Darryl Barron – Fianna Fáil

Cllr Colm O’Rourke – Fine Gael

Speaking at City Hall, Councillor Reddy said “school secretaries and caretakers were out in force on picket lines across the city today, with huge support from parents, teachers, SNAs and principals.”

“All parties, including government parties, endorsed my statement of solidarity calling on the government to intervene to meet their demands. This must happen and happen soon. There is no cause for delay and no defending the status quo, where secretaries and caretakers are denied what all of their colleagues enjoy as a right. I hope both Ministers hear our call and reconsider their position today in light of the extent of support for pickets this morning. I particularly commend the bravery of those SNAs and teachers who chose not to cross picket lines today, putting themselves in potential danger of disciplinary action. More of this kind of solidarity can force governments’ hand.“