Ten-year pay wait for school caretakers

HUNDREDS of school caretakers have not received a pay increase for up to a decade and most have no pension or sick-pay scheme, prompting a major campaign by the SIPTU union.

The findings come from the first significant research among the staff, most of whom are employed directly by school boards of management.

In schools managed by local Vocational Education Committees, and in community and comprehensive schools, caretakers are employed by the Department of Education, and enjoy reasonable conditions of employment.