Union discussions with Government departments today
Discussions took place this morning between unions representing workers in the community and voluntary sector (Section 39, Section 56, Section 10 and Section 40 funded agencies) and representatives from various government departments.
Despite well-publicised commitments given – with regard to pay parity for workers in the sector – the government representatives in attendance advised the unions they had no mandate to address the issue.
On behalf of their members unions expressed their extreme frustration at the continuing lack of urgency to resolve the matter.
We are calling on Government to honour its commitments by mandating its officials to negotiate in advance of the election. The issue of restoring pay parity for these workers has always been central to this dispute and must be resolved.
The government negotiators are acutely aware of what is required to bring about a resolution to this long standing dispute.
While we remain available to engage, if the current impasse continues we will find ourselves facing an unnecessary dispute.
We are urging the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to mandate the negotiators to return to the table immediately.
