Browne critical of government for leaving progress on pay talks

Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne has criticised the government for leaving progress on pay talks with Section 39 workers until the last minute.

Teachta Browne commented after indefinite strike action was called of in the early hours of Tuesday morning, only a few hours before strike action was due to begin.

Teachta Browne said: “It was unforgivable for the government to leave it until the last minute to present an offer that was deemed sufficient to avert strike action.

“This could have been achieved a long time before and could have avoided causing the level of worry and concern that the users of services provided by Section 39 organisations had on Monday evening, and indeed for weeks prior to the proposals tabled on Monday night.

“Section 39 workers are essential workers, but like carers they are forced to fight their corner continuously.

“Treating workers in this manner is plain wrong. Workers in Section 39 organisations are, like carers, the cornerstone of care in just about every community across Tipperary.

“And let us not forget the fact that by failing to address these shortcomings in the past, the government has allowed a recruitment crisis to emerge in these organisations, which impacts the communities in which they operate.

“It is time that all of these workers are shown the respect they deserve and to have their contribution to society recognised without having to threaten strike action.

“Neither can we forget about our family carers, who, despite being regularly lauded for the selfless work that they do, continue to have their work and dedication taken for granted, and operate in a system that fails to provide enough respite, homecare packages and remuneration.

“To make all of these workers fight for proper pay and conditions shows a lack of respect for them and for the people who avail of their services.

“It is welcome that progress has been made, but it is important that as members consider the proposals, the government shelves the hard-line approach they have adopted to-date.”