Dáil to debate motion to restore the pay of Section 39 workers

SIPTU representatives have today (Tuesday, 16th January) urged all political parties to support a Dáil motion to be debated tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, 17th January) supporting the restoration of pay for thousands of Section 39 workers. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “This progressive motion vindicates our members' position and the struggle we have been engaged in for months. The motion recognises that there is an established pay linkage between Section 39 workers and public service workers, that current pay reductions are having a negative impact on the ability to recruit and retain staff. Most importantly, it calls for the establishment of a focused, impartial and transparent process to address the plight of Section 39 workers once and for all.  “Our members are deeply appreciative of all the Oireachtas members who have supported us throughout this campaign. With their help and vote in favour of this motion tomorrow we hope to win a major breakthrough in our effort to win pay justice. The campaign has already been legitimised in several Labour Court recommendations confirming Section 39 workers suffered the same cuts in pay enforced on public service health workers.” Bell added: “While it is most welcome that members of Dáil Eireann have an opportunity to demonstrate their support for Section 39 workers, and the services they provide, our ballot for strike action in Section 39 organisations continues, with a strike date set for Wednesday, 14th February. It is also our members’ intention to bring their case to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health next Wednesday (24th January).” Bell also confirmed that more Congress unions representing members in Section 39 organisations are in the preparation stage of joining the dispute. The commitment of our colleagues in FORSA, UNITE and the Irish Nursing and Midwives Organisation in providing their support, and their commitment to ballot members for strike action is another vital step towards winning pay justice for all Section 39 workers. There is always strength in numbers,” he concluded.