SIPTU is holding an information meeting for HSE Home Helps at 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 31st October at the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo. The meeting will discuss the recent Labour Court recommendation concerning Home Helps’ contracts of employment which establishes a new minimum threshold of working hours and curtails the outsourcing of the service. The ruling followed an intensive campaign of protest, lobbying and campaigning by SIPTU Home Help activists. There are over 200 HSE Home Help workers based in Sligo and the meeting is open to both members and non-members who can join SIPTU on the night. SIPTU Organiser, Declan Ferry, said: “Our members and supporters in Sligo held meetings with local TD’s and councillors and also organised well attended protests last year to highlight cuts to the service. They have kept the pressure up ever since. “ Home Help and SIPTU Shop Steward, Fiona Quilter, from Sligo town said: “We provide a valuable service to the community, taking care of clients in their own home, where they want to be and it’s great that the Labour Court has recognised that value. This ruling gives us a platform to build better security for our clients and Home Help workers” SIPTU Organiser, Declan Ferry added: “This Labour Court recommendation finally puts Home Help workers on an equal footing with all other HSE employees. Now we need to ensure delivery of the gains achieved, and that is why it is so important that as many Home Helps as possible come along to these meetings.”