Mayo TD calls for pay parity for Section 39 workers
DEPUTY Alan Dillon has demanded that immediate and resolute action is taken to prevent Section 39 workers going on strike this month.
Speaking in Dáil Éireann, the Fine Gael TD implored Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to listen carefully to the pleas of these workers.
He stated: “Let us together pave the way for a brighter future for our Section 39 workers, including those in Western Care, the Irish Wheelchair Service, and countless others within our constituency.”
Deputy Dillon painted a stark picture when tabling this Dáil debate: “Many of these selfless workers, who provide an invaluable lifeline to those in need, have not seen an increase in their pay since the year 2008. That's over a decade of stagnation in their wages. It is an injustice that cries out for rectification.
‘These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our social care system, serving tirelessly in disability services, homeless services, rape crisis services, and a multitude of other community-based programmes. They are the silent heroes who bestow dignity and support upon thousands of our fellow citizens.”
Deputy Dillon noted, however, that an unacceptable disparity exists in their pay rates when compared to their counterparts within the HSE and other state agencies.
“I accept that a pay funding increase of 5% was put on the table, but this did not go far enough for many organisations.
‘Basic allowances and essential leave provisions, which should be standard, are missing from their employment conditions. As a result, their morale is at an all-time low, and the sector is suffering from a severe recruitment and retention crisis.
“As they leave, we witness the erosion of vital services, services that we, as a society cannot do without.”
Deputy Dillon told the Oireachtas that the situation facing the sector is dire and demands immediate attention.
“Up to 5,000 health and community workers, who play a critical role in our society, are on the brink of an indefinite strike scheduled for October 17. Their message is loud and clear: the sector is in crisis when it comes to staff recruitment and retention, and they are calling for equal pay and funding to save it.
‘These dedicated Section 39 workers, employed in voluntary, not-for-profit healthcare organizations, have undergone the same rigorous training and education as their counterparts in Section 38, the HSE workers. They work under the same conditions, face the same challenges, and shoulder the same responsibilities.
“They are not asking for special treatment; they are asking for fair and equal treatment.”
Deputy Dillon implored the government ministers to listen to their plea for equality and to act swiftly in this budget to ensure pay parity for Section 39 workers.