Browne expresses support for workers in community workers’ strike

Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne has expressed his full support for community workers in the areas of health and social care in voting for industrial action at the lack of pay parity they have had to deal with for so long.

Teachta Browne outlined his support after community workers who are represented by Forsa, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and SIPTU issued notice of strike action scheduled for Tuesday, October 17th .

“These health and community workers are the backbone of Tipperary and every other part of the country, but they have been left behind by the government who failed to address the disparity in pay between them and workers in the public sector who do equivalent work.

“The failure by the government to address this, has also led to a recruitment and retention crisis. This must be resolved in the interests of the workers, the people they provide excellent care for, and communities across Tipperary who count on them every day.

“We all know of the great organisations across the county who provide these community services, who staff centres, and who care for us and our loved ones. We have all felt the benefit of these services in one way or another.

“The disparity in pay between them and those who do equivalent work in the public sector is as substantial as the disrespect that the government has shown towards these workers in treating them like second class citizens.

“I call on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to negotiate a fair and just deal that recognises these workers for what they do, and to also recognise the people who rely on their services and who are also going to be affected by the inaction of this government.”