Community sector and Section 39 health workers march for better pay and respect in Dublin

Trade union members working in the community sector and for Section 39 healthcare organisations protested in Dublin city centre today (Tuesday, 3rd May) to highlight the need for better pay and respect of their roles. Following a march from the Customs House, Dublin 1, more than 400 protesters attended a rally in Merrion Square outside Dáil Eireann. The rally was addressed by activists from SIPTU, Fórsa and the INMO. SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The Government are not listening to the just and reasonable demands of workers in the community sector and Section 39 organisations for a pay rise and respect. This is despite these workers providing important health and social services to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our society.” Addressing the protest, SIPTU activist and community sector worker, Linda Scully, said: “We are calling on the Government to come to the table and put in place a fair funding model that will address the pay and conditions of all workers in the sector. “The workers provide the same standard of work as recognised by health colleagues in the public service. We require the same qualifications and provide care to the same standards as the public service. Why should we accept less when it comes to pay?” She added “Our members provide important roles in health settings in our communities across the country. We provide a key role ensuring that some of the most vulnerable members of our society are protected and supported. We're not going to be invisible anymore.” SIPTU Health Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “If the concerns of our members in the Section 39 organisations and the community sector continue to be ignored they will have no alternative but to commence a campaign of industrial action. To this end we will be balloting the members effected, in selected workplaces, in the coming weeks.” Trade union members work for hundreds of Community Sector and Section 39 organisations including Rehab Group, Western Care, Pieta House,  EmployAbility, Local Employment Services, Ability West, Inclusion Ireland, Local Community Partnerships, Job Clubs, LEADER projects and the Irish Wheelchair Association.