Tense debate on pay parity for school wardens heard during a council meeting

“How dare you? How dare you treat them like this?”

Those were the words of Solidarity Party – People Before Profit Cllr Brian McCarthy as he responded to a report by Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, on the school warden pay parity issue at last week’s city council meeting.

School wardens who were transferred to Cork City Council after the 2019 boundary extension are still being paid less than their colleagues who have always worked in the city. According to Cllr McCarthy, the difference estimates 42%.

Representatives of the wardens sat in the gallery during the meeting, waiting for clarity on the long-running dispute.

Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan said the 42% figure was misleading: “The 42% figure quoted does not reflect an anomalous difference between those joining from the county and current staff. The situation is more complex. There was only a marginal difference in the hourly rate of pay, which was quickly addressed to bring parity. The main difference lay in the number of hours required in each area.”

In December 2024, councillors unanimously approved a motion calling for pay parity. But Cllr McCarthy said the matter is still unresolved.

“So far, only one problem has been addressed—they are being offered new contracts to bring their pay in line with other wardens. But they have been told by Cork City Council that they won’t receive back pay because the council isn’t obligated to pay it. And if they sign the new contracts, it would block them from ever claiming that back pay. That is unacceptable.”

“It is unacceptable that Cork City Council is trying to avoid paying these women what they are owed, which is the least they deserve for the work they do. Back pay must be part of any new contracts, and the other two demands—a full explanation and an apology—are still outstanding,” he added.

Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan said talks with the union are continuing and close to resolution. “The issue of pay, along with other matters, is included in this resolution. The next meeting with the union, which the wardens will be aware of, is scheduled for 24 September, and this variation is included on the agenda.”

Ms O’Sullivan acknowledged Cllr McCarthy’s concerns but said the council did not create the problem.

“We are the authority trying to address that. It is Cork City Council. We would not stand over different treatment between any cohort of staff within our employ, and that’s exactly what we’re working to address.”

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.