Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
This week, we took our campaign for respect, recognition and better pay to the corridors of power.
Avril Green, Early Years Educator and SIPTU activist, delivered a message to TDs and Senators at the Oireachtas Committee on Children: “I am proud to be an Early Years Educator, we love our jobs, but love doesn’t pay the bills”.
Avril powerfully outlined the problems faced by thousands of people working in the sector and the families who depend on these essential public services.
She does not stand alone.
Together, with thousands of SIPTU members, we are keeping pay and the staffing crisis firmly on the political agenda. Together we are making a difference. Now, we need the Government to stand up and take notice.
That is why we are:
1. Raising our issues with government and opposition politicians
2. Regularly meeting with the Minister for Children and his Department
3. Supporting and working with managers through local networks
4. Talking to Educators in their services and local community about getting involved
5. Building a powerful Early Years Union
To the thousands of Educators and Managers who have joined us so far, thank you.
Every single person who joins SIPTU, the Early Years’ Union, takes us one step closer to the pay and conditions we deserve.
If you are not a member, we are asking you to join us today. The bigger our union, the stronger our voice.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a meeting, please get in touch, email bigstart@siptu.ie.
This week, we took our campaign for respect, recognition and better pay to the corridors of power.
Avril Green, Early Years Educator and SIPTU activist, delivered a message to TDs and Senators at the Oireachtas Committee on Children: “I am proud to be an Early Years Educator, we love our jobs, but love doesn’t pay the bills”.
Avril powerfully outlined the problems faced by thousands of people working in the sector and the families who depend on these essential public services.
She does not stand alone.
Together, with thousands of SIPTU members, we are keeping pay and the staffing crisis firmly on the political agenda. Together we are making a difference. Now, we need the Government to stand up and take notice.
That is why we are:
1. Raising our issues with government and opposition politicians
2. Regularly meeting with the Minister for Children and his Department
3. Supporting and working with managers through local networks
4. Talking to Educators in their services and local community about getting involved
5. Building a powerful Early Years Union
To the thousands of Educators and Managers who have joined us so far, thank you.
Every single person who joins SIPTU, the Early Years’ Union, takes us one step closer to the pay and conditions we deserve.
If you are not a member, we are asking you to join us today. The bigger our union, the stronger our voice.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a meeting, please get in touch, email bigstart@siptu.ie.
