Our campaign for professional pay, conditions and recognition has entered a new phase as the second round of pay talks officially start.

Our union, SIPTU, is the voice of Early Years and School Age Educators and Managers at the pay negotiations.

On the other side of the table, employers are represented by the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childcare Services Ireland (CSI/IBEC).

Our mission is clear – we are pushing for the best deal possible that recognises hardworking Educators and Managers with better pay and conditions. 

Our team is working hard to win the best deal possible, including a minimum of €15 per hour for Early Years Educators.

But it does not stop there. Lead Educators, Deputy Managers and Managers in both Early Years and School Age Childcare services all need and deserve a pay rise.

We are also calling for our years of experience and qualifications to be recognised with higher rates of pay. It is only fair.

PAY TALKS CONSULTATION

Over the past few months, we have met with thousands of Educators and Managers, listening to our shared hopes, aspirations and concerns for the future.

The message was loud and clear; low pay is the single biggest issueas people struggle to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Too many sought-after and highly skilled professionals are being forced to quit their jobs in Early Years in order to secure better paid work in other sectors. This is unacceptable.

As it stands we have a major staffing crisis in Early Years that has left thousands of Early Years Professionals stressed and burnt out. It is also affecting services as employers struggle to recruit and retain staff.

It is a vicious circle. It must change.

 RECOGNISING OUR WORTH

We know we are essential front-line workers — qualified, dedicated and passionate about our work. It is time we were recognised and rewarded properly.

That is why we are calling for a starting rate of €15 per hour.

WINNING THE BEST DEAL

The stronger our union, the better pay deal we can negotiate. That is why I am asking you to have a conversation with your colleagues, talk to them about the pay talks and ask them to join our union. 

Every person who joins our union brings us a step closer to winning the professional pay and conditions we deserve.

It takes just 3 minutes to join using this LINK. 

To find out more or arrange a meeting with your local SIPTU organiser call (01) 858 6367 or email bigstart@siptu.ie

Together, we can make it happen.