SIPTU representatives have called for clarity from the Government concerning the funding of pay increases for workers employed by independent organisations which provide care and community services on behalf of the State. SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “Our members in care and community sector organisations have been highlighting their demand for a pay rise through targeted industrial action as part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign, which involves SIPTU, Fórsa, the INMO and the ICTU. “Their campaign has received overwhelming public support and it is to be hoped that the Government has finally taken on board their demand for pay justice. However, all we have to go on at the moment are comments made by the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, in the Dáil this week (Wednesday, 5th October) when he said that he believes funds will be made available to provide for pay increases for these workers that are in line with the latest public sector national wage agreement. In many cases, this would be these workers first pay rise since 2008. “However, it is crucial that the Government outlines the sustainable income stream through which it will fund these pay increases and ensure that no workers who provide these vital care and community services are left behind. The Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign includes all union members who provide vital care and community services and all deserve a pay rise. “Our members who deliver these vital services through Section 39 organisations and others funded by the Government through other channels need clarity concerning the Tánaiste’s comments. If the Government is serious about ending the unfair treatment of these workers, there must be engagement between it and unions on what exactly it is proposing.” He added: “Our members in this sector have been let down by the Government too many times before. They will continue their Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign with further targeted strikes until they are assured they have secured pay justice and the long-term future of the services they provide. These workers will also be backing a motion that will go before the Dáil next Wednesday (12th October) in support of the pay claims lodged as part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign.”
SIPTU calls for clarity on funding of care and community sector pay rises
