Secretary and caretaker strike will disrupt schools but we deserve equality

School secretaries and caretakers are rallying in a bid to end decades of inequality and secure access to a pension scheme

Noreen O'Callaghan: Along with my 2,600 school secretary and caretaker colleagues, I’ll be taking indefinite strike action as we continue to push for inclusion in the single public service pension scheme. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

I’ve worked as a school secretary at Watergrasshill National School since 2001. I love my job. I love our school, composed of a wonderful staff of teachers and SNAs. Every day of term, we open the doors to 400 pupils from junior infants to 6th class, plus two ASD classes, all bursting with enthusiasm, keeping us all on our toes, while their parents play a crucial role in our wonderful school community.

Everybody knows one another and we all take pride in the work we do, each of us helping to create a safe and stimulating environment for learning and play. Today, I will be doing something I’ve never done before. I’ll be going on indefinite strike.