Parents protest for childcare workers

“This isn’t just their problem. We, as the parents, are facing really difficult times too. It’s important for the Government to see that it’s not just them struggling. Parents are struggling too.”

Those were the words of parent Monika Lambert, who was among an estimated 300 people who attended a rally in support of childcare workers held outside Cork City Hall yesterday. The rally was organised by parents in support of a protest held yesterday in Dublin by crèche and early childcare workers over low pay and ever increasing running costs.

“I want to work, so I desperately need the crèches to be open for me to be in the workforce. It’s a societal issue.

“The insurance costs have increased hugely, and in fairness to staff, they haven’t increased the parent’s fees. They’re absorbing the costs,” continued Monika.

The support rally was organised by parent of three, Katherine Alley. After suggesting the idea in a local parenting Facebook group, she received an emphatic response from parents who couldn’t travel to Dublin, but wanted to support the cause.

Speaking at the event, Katherine said: “They are facing a crisis at the moment, and we’d be lost without crèches and preschools that our children attend. It’s awful to see the pressure that they’re under with low wages, and rising insurance costs. There needs to be a change because it’s gotten to the point where people aren’t able to pay for the service themselves.”

Many of the parents had to take time off work to mind their children due to crèche staff travelling to Dublin but were still determined to show their support.

“These are people who are educated to a degree level and are among the lowest earning workers in the country. Crèches and preschools are closing as a result. It’s all down to an imbalance in funding and support for the sector,” continued Katherine.

Speaking at the event, Cork South Central candidate Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire of Sinn Féin said: “This is a massive issue. The sector is becoming unsustainable, people are leaving because the pay just isn’t good enough.”

He added: “The Government is talking about it being a degree-led sector. How can you expect people to do level sixes, level sevens, and even level eights, if you’re not going to pay them the living wage?”

Fianna Fail candidate for Cork North Central, Sandra Murphy said: “There's lots of talk about additional funding for parents of children in childcare but what about the workers? Many are on minimum wage and others are not paid during the summer as they are on temporary contracts.

“In areas such as Bishopstown there is not enough childcare facilities for young children. I know many parents are on waiting lists to see if they can get a place in many facilities. If we took better care of childcare workers it might encourage more people into the industry.”