SENATOR Joanne Collins has called for SIPTU’s Section 39 workers’ pay to reflect the true value of their contributions.
The Sinn Féin senator hosted a public meeting with Section 39 workers at the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West, also attended by Sinn Féin TDs David Cullinane and Mairéad Farrell.
The aim of the meeting, Senator Collins told the Limerick Post, was to hear firsthand from workers in Section 39 charities and organisations contracted by the State to provide health services.
Workers highlighted the issues of pay parity and difficult conditions they are forced to work under while providing essential care for their clients.
Senator Collins described their situation as “an urgent issue that requires the government’s immediate attention”.
“The 96 per cent vote in favour of industrial action, with a 70 per cent turnout among SIPTU members, sends a clear message that change is needed,” she commented.
“These workers provide crucial healthcare and social services to the community, and they must be treated with dignity and respect. Their pay should reflect the true value of their contributions.”
Deputy Mairéad Farrell called for the government to implement the October 2023 Workplace Relations Commission agreement, which was designed to restore the pay link between public sector wages and those in the community and voluntary sector.
Deputy David Cullinane told those in attendance at the Newcastle West meeting that “continued inaction will inevitably lead to strike action, impacting the vital services provided to vulnerable communities” if the government does not “step up” and deliver on its commitments.
