Increment: why are we still waiting?

gaiscioch

I've just checked my salary this morning and, once more, the already delayed (from 1 September until 1 December 2014) increment has still not been paid. A couple of weeks ago the same Department of Education was, however, perfectly capable of deducting our pay from our strike day that occured after the 1 December. Yet the increment - that is, money due to us - due from 1 December is still not paid.

My increment this year should have been €2711. The 3 month delay in payment resulted in a loss of 25% of that amount this year alone: 2711/25% = €677.75 (there will be an additional 25% loss next year for the same reason). Now, on 22 January, they have not even paid the increment from the delayed date of 1 December - but had no problem with taking strike pay from our salary. The Irish Department of Education is managed by selectively competent (when, for instance, it comes to the head of that Department retiring at 53 years of age on a €114,000 pension per year and a €204,000 lump sum), two-finger giving amanuenses. They deserve as much respect from Irish teachers as they give to us.

Oh, and here is the official Department of Education answer, given on Tuesday 13 January 2015: "The Department agreed that the delay was unacceptable and again apologised. The Department stated that the correct increments will now be paid on the 19th of February."

19 February!!! Major league amanuenses.