17/01/2025 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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SIPTU Section 39 workers to ballot for strike over Government inaction on pay

SIPTU’s Health Division is to begin a ballot of up to 5,000 members working in Section 39 Organisations for strike action due to the failure of the Government to honour a pay agreement struck at the Workplace Relations Commission in October 2023.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “The plight of Section 39 workers took centre stage during the General Election campaign. Senior politicians from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were falling over themselves to offer support and solutions, in the media and their election manifestos.

“However, their fine words ring hollow when we examine the Draft Programme for Government. The incoming Government has failed to include an adequate commitment to address the pay injustice that Section 39 workers face. Our members’ patience has now run out; they are saying enough is enough and want to take action. The pay link between the public sector and Section 39 Organisations must be restored, and the Government must stop treating our members, who provide essential disability care, elder care, and home support services, as second class.

“The failure of successive governments to deliver on pay justice for Section 39 workers has left our members struggling with low wages, while the organisations they work for face relentless recruitment and retention crises that undermine services.”

He added: “We believe the Government has again failed Section 39 workers. It has not taken the action needed to resolve this long-running dispute as a matter of urgency. Our members in Section 39 Organisations across the country now firmly believe they have no option but to ballot for industrial action. A strike may be imminent unless a swift solution can be found to this dispute.”

14/01/2025 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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SIPTU says action on workers’ pay and conditions needed due to recruitment crisis in care sector

SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to honour a commitment to raise the Minimum Annual Remuneration thresholds required to obtain an employment permit for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) and Home Support Workers or face a worsening crisis in these services.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Sharon Cregan, said: “Stakeholders are currently making submissions as part of the ongoing review of work permit structures in Ireland. In the SIPTU submission to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, we highlight the importance of the Government proceeding with the implementation of increases to Minimum Annual Remuneration thresholds for migrant HCAs and Home Support workers. These increases would see the Minimum Annual Remuneration for Health Care Assistants and Home Support Workers rise from €27,000 per annum to €30,000 per annum.

“However, this policy initiative alone will not address the recruitment crisis for HCAs and Home Support Workers in the Irish health service. The huge disparity of earnings between those employed in the public sector when compared to those working in private and voluntary settings is resulting in staff draining out of these services into those directly run by the State.”

She added: “SIPTU Health Division has consistently called on the Government to act to ensure decent rates of pay and better conditions for those employed in the private and voluntary sector in order to stem the flow of workers out of these services. This can be done by putting in place an effective collective bargaining mechanism so these workers can come together to seek improvements. How such a change could be achieved is at the core of our submission to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.”

Union representatives are also seeking negotiations with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the future of care work in Ireland. At these Union representatives would seek to ensure transparency in pay and conditions in the Sector as well as equality of treatment for all workers.

06/12/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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Report shows major pay gap between Health Care Assistants in public and private employment

A new report from the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) has revealed a significant pay gap between the earnings of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the public and private sectors in some European countries, including Ireland.

The Report, Wage Watch: A Comparative Study of Health Care Assistant and Nurse Wages Across Europe, drew from the expertise of affiliate trade unions from fifteen European countries. As the Union of Health Care Assistants in Ireland, SIPTU contributed to the study. When all payments are factored in, the Report found a 30% wage gap between HCAs employed in public and private settings in Ireland.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Sharon Cregan, said: “The EPSU report vindicates what SIPTU has been saying for years. There is a big disparity in pay between public and private healthcare for HCAs. The Report seems to indicate that it is not just an issue in Ireland.

“Current starting pay for a HCA commencing employment in the public service is €16.92 per hour and this rises to €21.39 per hour when they reach the top of their incremental pay scale. In theory, a HCA in the private sector could earn as little as minimum wage which is currently set at €12.70 per hour.

“Private healthcare employments are often hostile to trade unions, resulting in workers within such employments having no access to collective bargaining. Without collective bargaining, they lack effective means of securing decent pay rates and enhanced terms and conditions of employment.”

Cregan added: “SIPTU has continuously called for a collective means of addressing pay in the private nursing home and home care sectors. We are also calling for HCAs in all settings and employments to be recognised and adequately remunerated for the essential role they play within the healthcare system.”

HCAs in the public service have seen their annualised salary increase by approximately 24% between 2016 and 2023. They are due further pay increases on annualised salary under the current Public Service Pay Agreement of more than a cumulative 5% up to June 2026.

You can access more information on the report here.

03/12/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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SIPTU to consult Section 39 Organisation members on industrial action on pay claim

SIPTU is to begin a process of consultation with members in Section 39 Organisations concerning industrial action over the issue of Government inaction in relation to a longstanding pay claim in the sector.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Despite several soundbites from senior people in the Government claiming that they fully support our members’ pay claim, the same leaders refuse to give a mandate to the appropriate funding Department officials to address this long-standing issue.

“Actions speak louder than words. Unfortunately, the complete inaction by the Government over the last 12 months to address this matter at the Workplace Relations Commission has led to our decision to consult with members on the next steps in their campaign for pay justice.

“Over the next few days, our members will consider all available options open to them, including ballots for industrial action to progress their legitimate pay claim. The members involved staff in vital disability GP Out of Hours and home support services across the country.”

He added: “Members are acutely aware that during the last economic crisis, their pay was slashed because of a Government decision. In contrast, the Government has now spent years refusing to address their claim for pay parity with those delivering similar services directly employed by the State. The lack of respect shown to our members is obvious.

“This course of action is about achieving our members’ right to decent pay for the important work they do on behalf of the State, which includes protecting and caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

26/11/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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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.

08/11/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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Marking World Radiography Day 2024: Celebrating Radiographers and Campaigning for Better

Today, on World Radiography Day, we celebrate the critical work of radiographers across Ireland and beyond. This day marks the anniversary of Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895 — a groundbreaking moment that transformed medicine by allowing us to see inside the human body. Today, radiographers are on the frontline of our health service, providing vital imaging services that are essential for diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients.

Radiographers play a key role in supporting patient care, often operating behind the scenes but making a huge impact. From emergency cases to routine scans, they help deliver accurate diagnoses, guide clinical decisions, and monitor treatment progress. However, despite the essential nature of their work, radiographers face numerous challenges that can impact both their own wellbeing and the quality of care patients receive.

Staffing shortages and a lack of investment in radiography services have increased workloads and intensified pressure on our members. Radiographers often experience stress due to high demand, as well as difficulty in achieving a healthy work-life balance. Many feel their skills and contributions are undervalued within the health system, even as they take on significant responsibility for patient care.

SIPTU is committed to addressing these issues and standing up for radiographers’ rights. We are actively campaigning for better working conditions, including safe staffing levels, and investment in training and development. These improvements are essential not only for our members but also for ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care.

On this World Radiography Day, we urge radiographers to join SIPTU and become part of a collective voice fighting for fair treatment and respect. Together, we can work towards a future where radiographers’ contributions are fully recognised and adequately supported.

30/10/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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HCAs Have Your Say – SIPTU’s Election 2024 Survey

Yesterday, October 29th was the International Day of Care and Support. It’s a day that we take stock and honour the resilience and dedication of care workers across the globe.

From those who care for the elderly to those providing vital health services in our communities, care workers are at the heart of our society’s wellbeing.

It is also a day that we look to the future.

That is why SIPTU, the Union of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in Ireland, is launching our Election 2024 Survey.

We what to hear about the big issues are impacting HCAs. The survey will inform our Union’s campaign priorities in the upcoming general election; and beyond.

SIPTU represents almost 20,000 HCAs in both public and private healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and in the community.

By standing together, SIPTU members have campaigned for; and won, real benefits for healthcare workers in Ireland.

Please take two minutes to fill out our survey here. You don’t need to be a member of SIPTU to participate.

Together, we are stronger.

15/10/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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SIPTU members to protest HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy in Cavan, Sligo and Tuam tomorrow

SIPTU and colleague health unions will continue the campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy this week.

Following several protests in the last two weeks, SIPTU will hold further lunchtime protests this week. A key issue of concern for SIPTU members is staffing levels, with the HSE’s employment census data demonstrating that many key, front-line roles have not benefitted from record levels of investment in the health service.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Our members are calling on the HSE to withdraw a policy that is blocking the proper staffing of essential services in our health system. This policy is an overreaction to concerns about spending, and it is causing real harm.”

Ginley added: “We want to engage with HSE management about staffing needs when they arise, not face a situation where managers are restricted by a rigid policy, even when there is a clear, demonstrable need for more staff.”

11/10/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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Union members at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Vote to Accept Pay Proposals

SIPTU’s Health Division have today, Friday, October 11th, confirmed that union members working in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) have accepted new pay proposals by an overwhelming majority.

The agreement, which will run until October 2026, provides for an annual 3% increase to basic pay, with a minimum payment of €1,500 in 2024. The proposals also state that all staff with over six months service with the RCSI will receive a €1,000, tax-free voucher in 2024; and includes increases to annual leave and bereavement leave entitlements. The employer has confirmed that that the payments for 2024 will be processed in October.

SIPTU Organiser, Peter Ray, said: “This pay deal, and improvements in terms and conditions, clearly demonstrates the importance of being in a union. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a workforce stands together in solidarity. Thanks are owed to all shop stewards in the RCSI university for their support and commitment on behalf of union members in their workplace.”

The employer has confirmed that that the payments for 2024 will be processed in October.

09/10/2024 Comments are off SIPTU Health Admin
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SIPTU escalate campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy

SIPTU will escalate the campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Number Strategy with further protests this week, highlighting member concerns that the policy will have a detrimental impact on services.

The protests come following demonstrations last week.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said; “Our members have real concerns that services are suffering due to a lack of investment in key areas. As a union that represents a multitude of grades within the health service, we are seeing that certain areas are being left behind in terms of adequate staffing.”

“The HSE’s current policy on recruitment does not make sense, he continued. “Health service recruitment should be based on what is right and appropriate to be able to provide a safe service for our communities. That is why we are calling on the HSE to reverse its position with regards to recruitment.”

“We are also seeking a safe staffing framework for all grades and areas of the health service.” Mr Ginley concluded.

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