SIPTU representatives yesterday, (Tuesday, 2nd October), secured a proposal that has the potential to end the Section 39 pay dispute. The move comes following protracted negotiations with officials from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “These proposals have the potential to provide members not only with money in their pocket but a clear plan for Section 39 organisation workers to have their pay restored in a manner which corresponds to their counterparts directly employed by the HSE.” “Under these proposals members will receive an additional payment of €1000 in their pay packets from April 2019 which will go a long way to restore pay for thousands of Section 39 workers. Payments will also be made in 2020 and 2021. These proposals ensure that, after a long and hard fought campaign, our members working in Section 39 organisations will get full pay restoration.” He added: “SIPTU representatives will recommend the acceptance of these proposals as it is the best vehicle to achieve pay justice for all Section 39 workers. In the coming weeks, the proposals will go to ballot following a full consultation with members.” SIPTU Sector Organiser, Eddie Mullins, said: “Our members have fought, not only to have their salaries restored, but also to acknowledge a pay link with the public service. During this dispute, our members demonstrated great compassion and responsibility by doing everything in their power to achieve a legitimate objective without affecting on services to vulnerable clients. Our members now have a result and light at the end of the tunnel.”
SIPTU secures proposals for full pay restoration for Section 39 workers
