Leonard wants action for Section 39 workers

Government must put in place an immediate timeline and guarantee a process for engagement with Section 39 and community sector workers in Westmeath and throughout the midlands, Labour councillor Denis Leonard has stated.

The Kinnegad man made his call after the government last week waved through a Labour motion calling for pay rises for community and voluntary sector workers.

“Government did not oppose Labour’s motion, nor did they propose any amendments. Agreement is all well and good, but now we need action. These workers are sick of tea and sympathy from government: what they want is real action,” he stated.

Section 39 care workers care for people with disabilities, older persons or those who require mental health supports, Cllr Leonard explained, stating that there are “hundreds” of such workers in Westmeath alone, and that they deserve a pay rise since the services they provide are vital.

“This government thinks that their goodwill will continue, but the time has come for pay restoration and for respect for workers who carry out the most crucial, frontline services,” he stated.

“The government must put their money where their mouths are and immediately establish a process for dealing with this matter once and for all. The government can demonstrate their bone fides for care workers in the midlands by immediately setting a process of engagement in place. The minister for health is now on the record saying that a WRC process could resolve this issue and he needs to do all in his power to make this happen.

“Community and voluntary workers who care for our most vulnerable must be shown respect by this government. Workers in so many wonderful community and voluntary organisations throughout this region perform absolutely essential duties and their work must be acknowledged and respected.”

Cllr Leonard went on to say that Section 39 workers are in hospices, community hospitals, Rehab facilities and similar organisations: “In the intellectual disabilities support sector alone, one in 10 workers is employed on a Section 39 contract. Staff undertake precisely the same work as directly employed HSE staff and must have the same qualifications,” he stated.

“That’s why Labour brought forward our motion – to ensure they are heard. The reality is that we are in the middle of the worst cost of living crisis in memory, and these workers are fighting for pay parity. The last thing they want is having to picket, but they are being left with no choice.

“These workers are being paid much less than equivalent staff in the HSE and other State bodies. They deserve pay parity and an equal pay for an equal day’s work.”