SIPTU representatives have today (Wednesday, 17th January) welcomed cross party support for a Dáil motion calling for the restoration of pay for Section 39 workers. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “SIPTU’s campaign for pay justice for Section 39 workers has today reached a critical moment as we have secured cross party support for full pay restoration for these vulnerable workers. Our members feel they are on the verge of winning their campaign as Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, the Social Democrats, the Green Party, Solidarity and many Independents have supported their campaign. This can ensure that our members who provide essential services to our most vulnerable citizens have their voices heard on the floor of the Dáil. “Our members throughout the country see this cross party, political, support as a vindication of their committed efforts to not only win pay justice but to fight on behalf of their service users who would be exposed to having their services curtailed if the recruitment and retention crisis in Section 39 organisations is not resolved.” Bell added: “We are hopeful that the Government will now direct the Health Service Executive, Department of Health and Department for Public Expenditure and Reform to agree a focused and transparent process that will secure our members’ jobs, pay restoration and services. “We also remind the Government of its obligations to make sure all outstanding Labour Court recommendations are fully honoured as the best way of ensuring that forthcoming strike action can be averted. “In a further boost to our campaign, it has been confirmed that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health will meet all key stakeholders on 31st January in a further effort to bring this campaign to a successful and peaceful resolution.”
SIPTU welcomes cross party support for pay justice for Section 39 workers
