Siptu Urges Oireachtas Committee to Address Stalled Childcare Pay Talks

Siptu has written to Keira Keogh TD, chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality, requesting the committee invite childcare sector employers to explain their refusal to begin negotiations on a new pay deal for over 30,000 early educators.

Union officials Darragh O’Connor and Diane Jackson warn that millions in government funding allocated to improve sector pay could go unspent. Last year, over €4 million, nearly 10 percent of the €45 million allocation, was lost due to delays in completing a deal. Siptu argues that poor pay, starting at €15 an hour, just 85 cents above minimum wage, contributes significantly to staff turnover and shortages, with over a quarter of staff leaving annually.

Pay is set by a Joint Labour Committee (JLC), where both employers and staff are represented. Despite some legal challenges to the JLC system, there are no impediments to talks. However, the two employer groups on the JLC—the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childhood Services Ireland—have declined multiple requests to attend talks, which were originally slated for February.

The €45 million funding, distributed through the State’s Core Funding scheme, begins September 1st. Each week talks are delayed, nearly €1 million is withheld from the fund. Siptu officials emphasize the urgent need for a new pay agreement, stating that last year’s increases have been eroded by rising living costs. They are asking the committee to discuss the staffing crisis, the failure of pay talks, State funding, and the JLC system’s suitability.