The staffing crisis is a low pay crisis
The Early Years staffing crisis is getting worse and the only solution is better pay.
SIPTU members have delivered this message to government Ministers and TD’s throughout August.
There can be no more excuses, Budget 2022 must deliver funding for a pay deal.
Staffing Crisis
Services are struggling to recruit and retain staff because educators cannot afford to live on such low wages.
This is forcing services to close rooms and or even close all together.
The staffing crisis is a low pay crisis.
If government doesn’t step up, educators will keep leaving their profession for jobs as SNA’s or in retail just so that they can pay the bills.
That’s why Budget 2022 must deliver funding for our first pay deal.
Pay Talks
Pay talks can start after Budget 2022 is announced this October.
Government have set up a system for Early Years educators and employers to negotiate a pay deal, a key SIPTU demand.
The Minister for Children has also said that “more favourable wages and working conditions are necessary to attract and retain qualified staff. The Government is committed to supporting this through the Joint Labour Committee (JLC)”.
The JLC is where the pay talks happen.
The stage is set, now all we need is the funding.
Take Action
You can take a small action today by signing and sharing the Early Years petition for increased investment. Over 7,000 people have already signed it, let’s push for 10,000!
By stand together we can make Early Years a priority for government in Budget 2022.
Find Out More
If you want to find out more about SIPTU, or need information and support, you can contact SIPTU’s confidential helpline.
- Phone or text your local SIPTU organiser
- Call (01) 9617100 between 10am and 4pm
- Email bigstart@siptu.ie.
You can talk in confidence 1-to-1 with a SIPTU organiser or arrange a group meeting for your service.
If you are not yet a member, you can also join here
