SIPTU members working in contract cleaning and security across Ireland are demanding that an Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar intervene to honour a commitment made to all essential frontline health workers in respect of the pandemic recognition payment. The demand comes following a day of action today (Wednesday, 15th June) in Limerick, Dublin, and Galway celebrating International Day of Justice for Cleaners and Security Guards. Contract cleaner and SIPTU Shop Steward Lorraine Clinch from Dublin said: "We were promised this over a year and a half ago, and we are still fighting to get it. We are the forgotten workers on the frontline. We never missed a day during the pandemic and made sure that hospitals kept running. It is just not fair that some people get it and others don’t. We were all in the same boat during the pandemic. We were the ones that came into work every day with no PPE or vaccinations, and we kept the hospitals going. We want what we are owed." Security worker Pat Monahan and SIPTU member in Galway, said: "After 18 months, we are still waiting for our €1000, while all my colleagues around me received theirs. It is so frustrating. As essential frontline health workers, we put our lives at risk during the pandemic, and to still not have received this recognition is beyond insulting." SIPTU Services Divisional Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: "We are calling on Leo Varadkar to look after his fellow health care workers that he championed all through the pandemic. These workers need this payment by any means necessary. It’s not rocket science."
“Forgotten” frontline workers demand Taoiseach honours Covid bonus commitment
