Disability workers to consider industrial action over stalled pay claim
Paul MacGuinness felt his needs were not being considered. Picture: Dan Linehan
Trade Union Siptu is to begin talks with thousands of disability workers and other staff about potential industrial action following months of government inaction on a pay claim.
Just over a year ago, people with disabilities faced missing out on vital services from organisations such as Enable Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association when strike action was threatened.
This was averted at the last minute, but since then, unions say talks have not progressed.
These organisations are paid by the HSE to provide services under an agreement known as Section 39.
They have long argued the failure to increase this funding leaves them at a disadvantage in recruiting staff or expanding to meet need.
Siptu sector organiser Damian Ginley, said: “Despite several soundbites from senior people in the government claiming that they fully support our members’ pay claim, the same leaders refuse to give a mandate to the appropriate funding department officials need to address this long-standing issue.”
“Actions speak louder than words,” he added, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, the complete inaction by the Government over the last 12 months to address this matter at the Workplace Relations Commission has led to our decision to consult with members on the next steps in their campaign for pay justice,” he said.
Options will be considered over the next few days, and this will include an option to ballot for industrial action, he added.
“The members involve staff in vital disability, GP out-of-hours, and home support services across the country,” he said.
Pay for these workers was cut following the 2008 recession but while pay for HSE staff — doing the same work — has increased, the Section 39 funding has not kept pace.
“Government has now spent years refusing to address their claim for pay parity with those delivering similar services directly employed by the State. The lack of respect shown to our members is obvious,” he said.
He pointed out the work done by these staff includes “protecting and caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Last year as industrial action loomed, the spoke to people relying on the Irish Wheelchair Association’s services in Cork.
Paul MacGuinness, 34, felt his needs were not being considered, saying: “The [decision-makers] just see it as finances going down the drain. We’re forgotten I think.”
