SIPTU members employed providing vital services including care for the disabled, elderly and youth supports in Section 39, 40, 56 and 10 organisations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) pay proposals in a ballot counted today in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King, said: “The Pay Proposals negotiated between workers’ representatives, government officials and employer organisations at the WRC have been accepted by our members with 87% voting in favour and 13% against.
“These proposals equate to a 9.25% increase in pay for our members over the term of the agreement. It provides for pay increases both now and into the future that finally recognise the important contribution our members play in the delivery of vital health and community based services.”
He added: “This brings a key stage in this dispute to a conclusion. SIPTU representatives will notify the management side on our members’ acceptance of the proposals and seek clarity on when funding will be provided by the relevant Government Departments to allow payment of the increases.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan Carr, said: “This agreement was only secured because of the dedication and solidarity shown by our members across Section 39, 40, 56 and 10 organisations. It is a clear example of when Union members work together we can achieve progressive change that benefits workers and the wider community who depend on these vital services.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “While we welcome the outcome of the ballot for our members who are in organisations deemed by the Government as in the scope of the agreement, we firmly reject the exclusion of a small number of bodies.
“We have already advised the Government that it is not acceptable that members who work in home support in the greater Dublin Region, a number of GP Out of Hours providers and some residential services in the south of the country, were deemed to be outside the terms this agreement.”
He added: “These members are currently left without a mechanism to address their outstanding pay claim. We will be engaging with our members in these organisations with a view to escalating our campaign for pay justice.”