A NORTHSIDE city service providing childcare, therapy, and parenting support to communities experiencing the highest levels of social isolation and material deprivation is to temporarily close its doors over a pay and conditions crisis in the sector.
The Northside Family Resource Centre (NFRC) in Ballynanty, which employs 72 staff, will shut for 24 hours on October 17 to protest “the Government-induced crisis in the community and voluntary sector”.
“The status quo is driving dedicated workers out of the sector. Employees are underpaid, do not receive adequate increments, and have uncertainty of tenure. This makes sustainability and quality increasingly difficult to achieve. The Board, therefore, will protest with staff on 17th October,” said NFRC chairperson Ray Mulcahy.
Management said it will “cease all operations” next Tuesday to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, “and will join the national response to the funding crisis” in its sector.
The centre operates two childcare services, as well as an after-school service, youth work initiatives, adult education courses, parenting supports, and adult and child therapy. It is also a hub for community groups and clubs and meals on wheels services.
“Northside FRC is situated in communities experiencing the highest levels of social isolation and material deprivation. We are challenging the Government and its agents to start listening to the actual issues facing the sector and the communities we serve,” NRFC management said.
“Northside Family Resource Centre are calling on parents, community members, and any other concerned persons to join us to say we’ve had enough, we are one united voice,” a statement released by the centre read.
“We are providing a State function to the highest of standards for the best value for money. However, we are in crisis”
The centre’s demands include: a basic 9.5 percent increase in funding, in the short-term, to make some attempt at pay restoration; the restoration of 2008 funding levels linked to inflation to meet basic costs; a commitment to bring staff pay structure in line with equivalent grades in the public service; long-term pay and conditions parity with public sector workers; and core-funding for all workers, as well as an end to workers fundraising their own salaries.
A staff member told the Limerick Post that she loves her job but that, due to her salary, she is dependent on her husband “to pay the bills and make the mortgage. That is not fair, that is unhealthy.”
“I should be valued in the same esteem as workers in other sectors doing similar work.”
Another staff member complained that, despite having “such a high level of skill, experience, and qualifications” and “operating at the highest standards”, “there is so much uncertainty and little to no progression opportunities” for those in the sector.
“As someone starting out, I want to progress and advance. Being ambitious means leaving the sector, and, at the end of the day, I must have somewhere to live, I must be able to pay my bills. I need to be able to progress.”
“We have had enough. We all deserve better,” she said.
