Labour Area Representative Eoin Barry has demanded that the government must put in place an immediate timeline and guarantee a process for engagement with workers in the community and voluntary sector in Laois
The call comes following the government waving through a Labour motion calling for pay rises for community and voluntary sector workers this week.
Mr Barry said: “Section 39 care workers for people with disabilities, older persons or who require mental health supports deserve a pay rise.
“There are hundreds of workers across Section 39 bodies in Laois who provide vital care services in communities across the county. This Government thinks that their goodwill will continue, but the time has come for pay restoration and for respect for workers who carry out the most crucial, frontline services.
“Government did not oppose Labour’s motion, nor did they propose any amendments. Agreement is all well and good, but now we need action.
“These workers are sick of tea and sympathy from government what they want is real action.
“The government must put their money where their mouths are and immediately establish a process for dealing with this matter once and for all.
“The government can demonstrate their bone fides for care workers in Laois by immediately setting a process of engagement in place.
“The Minister for Health is now on the record saying that a WRC process could resolve this issue and he needs to do all in his power to make this happen.
“Community and voluntary workers who care for our most vulnerable must be shown respect by this government. Their work must be acknowledged and respected.
“That’s why Labour brought forward our motion – to ensure they are heard.
“The reality is that we are 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 and an equal pay for an equal day’s work.”
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