Recent changes to the pay structure for school kitchen staff have sparked serious concerns among educators and staff, particularly regarding the compensation for kitchen supervisors. Andrew Burns, the head of Riverdale Primary School in Lisburn, voiced his dissatisfaction in a letter to the Education Authority (EA), labeling the current salary situation as “frankly unacceptable.”
Burns highlighted that his kitchen supervisor experienced a “pay downgrade” despite the new pay deal aimed at improving salaries for school support workers.
The EA oversees staff in school kitchens and canteens and has stated that it is engaged in “transformation work” with trade unions to address ongoing issues with pay and job grading. This review recently adjusted the pay scales for various support roles, including bus drivers and classroom assistants. However, it resulted in kitchen supervisors—designated as unit catering supervisors—being placed on the same pay grade as cooks, despite their additional responsibilities.
Burns expressed concern that some primary schools in County Down have struggled to provide hot meals due to a shortage of kitchen staff. He noted the dedication of his canteen supervisor, who works beyond her required hours to ensure that students receive not only nutritious meals but also a positive dining experience.
He warned that undervaluing these roles could lead to burnout or increased turnover among essential kitchen staff.
While Burns acknowledged the positive aspects of the recent pay agreements for non-teaching staff, he stressed that the additional duties of unit supervisors should be recognized adequately. In his correspondence with the EA, he called for an urgent review of their pay scale.
One unit supervisor shared her feelings of being “very much underappreciated” following the new pay review. She emphasized that while cooks play a vital role, supervisors bear greater responsibilities without proper acknowledgment or compensation.
Another supervisor echoed similar sentiments, describing a work environment plagued by increased paperwork, inadequate training, and inconsistent supply deliveries. She underscored their commitment to feeding children while simply asking for fair recognition and compensation for their efforts.
In response to these concerns, an EA spokesperson stated that the recent pay and grading review aimed to significantly reform their compensation structures. However, they acknowledged that merging some pay scales would affect certain staffing structures within the catering services.
As discussions continue around school kitchen staff salaries, there remains a pressing need for careful consideration of their roles and responsibilities. Acknowledging their contributions is vital not only for employee morale but also for maintaining quality services in schools across the region. Moving forward, addressing these disparities may prove essential in fostering a supportive environment for those who play a crucial role in children’s daily lives.
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