Horgan calls on Government to back pay rise for section 39 Workers

Following  the publication of the Labour Party’s motion this wednesday in the Dáil to force the Government to intervene and provide pay equality for workers in Section 39 organisations, like Enable Ireland in Cork, Labour Local Area Peter Horgan has called on Government reps in Cork city to back the Labour Party’s motion.

Mr Horgan said:

“Speaking with workers on the picket line in Cork there is deep unhappiness and frustration at the hands off approach from the Government on this matter. The recruitment and retention crisis is having a direct impact on families and workers in these organisations. They are contracted to do State work, but not receive State pay. They will not even meet with Trade Unions to discuss options. That is why Labour are seeking this parliamentary action next Wednesday and I hope all TDs, but especially Government TDs, will back that call.”

Echoing that call, Labour Party Spokesperson on Health, Duncan Smith TD said:

On Wednesday 12th October the Labour Party will bring a motion to the Dáil calling for the government to act to improve the pay and conditions of workers in the community and voluntary sector.

These workers care for our most vulnerable and help keep our communities going. Over the last year I, along with my Labour colleagues have pledged our solidarity to workers who have had to strike for better pay, conditions and respect but the Ministers aren’t listening to them. That’s why we’re bringing forward our motion – to ensure they are heard.

We’re in the middle of the worst cost of living crisis in memory, and these workers are fighting for pay parity. The last thing they want is having to picket, but they are being left with no choice. These workers are being paid much less than equivalent staff in the HSE and other State bodies. They deserve pay parity. Equal pay for an equal day’s work.

It’s long past time that community care workers’ pay scales were aligned on an equitable basis with staff in the HSE and other voluntary agencies doing the same job.