SIPTU, the Union of Health Care Assistants (HCA), has called on the incoming Government to expand and improve the public provision of nursing home and home care, following its release of the initial results of a survey of HCAs which highlights their concerns about low pay, poor staffing levels and stress in the workplace.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Sharon Cregan, said: “The initial results of this survey highlight that HCAs are most concerned about low pay, poor staffing levels and stress in the workplace. The issue of pay and benefits is particularly acute in private settings according to the respondents. This has led to a worsening staffing crisis in these services.
“The survey revealed massive support for the right of workers in private settings to collectively bargain for better terms and conditions in their employments, with 91% of respondents calling for this. Similarly, 96% of respondents support the HCA role becoming a professionally registered grade in the health services.”
She added: “We believe care must be prioritised in the next Programme for Government. The incoming Government must put in place a working mechanism in private care settings so workers can negotiate pay deals with their employers, expand the public provision of nursing homes and home support services as well as ensure safe staffing for all grades of staff in all settings.”
SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising and Campaigns, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The Fianna Fáil election manifesto commits that party to the provision of ‘more public nursing home beds’ and to providing ‘a career pathway for healthcare assistants’. While these commitments are welcome, HCAs need to these see words turned into action.”
He added: “It is also essential for staff, service users and providers that the staffing crisis and the issue of low pay are addressed. This can be done by investing in quality care and establishing national pay talks for workers in both private nursing homes and private home care. Workers need to see a future where their hard work is recognised and rewarded.”
The SIPTU survey ran from the 30th October to 9th December 2024. More than 1420 responses were received. Almost 20% of respondents identified themselves as working in private nursing homes or private home care settings, offering valuable insights into the diverse experiences of HCAs within such settings.
Further analysis of the survey will be undertaken and published in early 2025.