School boards of management have been instructed to keep schools open, but unions have told members to support the striking workers by refusing to carry out the duties of secretaries and caretakers. School leaders are under ferocious pressure, and the situation is unsustainable.

It is proving extremely challenging for boards of management to keep schools open and safe.

School leaders are looking beyond this action which everyone knows will have to be resolved eventually. They are doing their utmost to protect relationships. Negotiations must commence immediately to resolve the dispute and to prevent longer-term damage to our school communities.

In the interest of the pupils in all our schools, both parties need to commit to these negotiations until the matter is resolved. In the interim, the strike action needs to be stood down.

Páiric Clerkin, IPPN CEO