SIPTU members employed in community sector organisations funded by the Department of Social Protection have overwhelmingly voted to accept a 5% pay rise this year. The agreement also includes a mechanism for the workers to negotiate future wage increases. SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Brendan Carr, said: “This pay rise is a very well deserved and long awaited one which applies to Supervisors, Assistant Supervisors and Team Leaders in Community Employment Schemes, the Job Initiative Scheme, the Rural Social Scheme and Tús. For many of these workers it is their first pay rise in more than a decade. “The deal consists of an increase in basic pay of 3% from 1st April and a further 2% from 1st November, 2023. It also sets out a process for the future determination of workers’ pay in these schemes. The deal was secured at talks which followed a number of days of industrial action by our members during 2022. “Unfortunately, this deal only applies to community sector workers in organisations funded by the Department of Social Protection. Community workers in other organisations funded by different government departments and agencies also need a pay increase. We will continue to bring their demands to the Government and will not hesitate to carry out further industrial action to secure pay justice for them.” He added: “SIPTU is committed to ensuring that our members in the community sector are organised into a unified group which can successfully campaign for pay increases, increased funding for their organisation and respect for the crucial role they play in our society.” The ballot of SIPTU and Fórsa members in community organisations funded by the Department of Social Protection was counted today (Friday, 28th April) in the ICTU Office, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
SIPTU community sector workers vote for 5% pay rise
