Last Friday, 11th August, pay talks for the Early Years and School Age sector broke down without agreement, but we have a plan.

Fighting for Better Pay

For months, SIPTU has been fighting for the best pay deal possible for educators, lead educators and managers in Early Years and School Age childcare.

Our claim ranged from a minimum of €15 per hour for Early Years Educators to minimum of €20 per hour for a graduate manager. We also called for recognition of experience. However, the proposals from the employers’ side (both the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childcare Services Ireland) were simply unacceptable. However, the proposals from the employers’ side (both the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childcare Services Ireland) were simply unacceptable.

Unacceptable Offer

Both employer groups proposed just €13.65 per hour for Early Years Educators. They offered graduate managers a paltry €17.75. There was no offer to recognise experience for any job role. 

Not only would these proposals leave thousands on poverty rates of pay, but they would also deepen the recruitment and retention crisis, undermine quality care for children and compromise the sustainability of services. 
 
SIPTU members, and many decent providers, want to see a pay deal that recognises and rewards staff. We will not allow Early Years to be a low-pay profession. 

Next Step: The Labour Court 

As the pay talks have broken down, the Labour Court has been asked to intervene. In the coming weeks, there will be a hearing during which the union and employers will make their case. A Labour Court recommendation will follow. But, at this stage, there will not be a new pay agreement in place by September. 
 
SIPTU called for talks to commence as far back as last February, but the employers dragged the process out. This cannot continue. 

Sign the petition

Staff and many providers know that without a significant pay increase the staffing crisis will turn into a full-blown disaster. Under those conditions, services will be cut for parents and educators, and managers will be left completely burned out. 
 
The staff turnover is currently 37% in private, full-day childcare services. That is simply unacceptable and makes it impossible to sustain high-quality services. It is time to stand up for recognition, quality and a fair pay deal.

We need to show employers that Early Years staff urgently need and deserve a decent pay rise.

You can add your voice by signing the petition.