Councillors back disability staff in pay dispute

A deputation of over a dozen workers in the disability sector attended last week's meeting of Mayo County Council where Independent Cllr Harry Barrett had a motion calling for their pay to be be put on the same scale as HSE workers in similar roles. 

The deputation sat patiently for over three hours waiting for the notice of motion by Cllr Barrett to be reached on the agenda, following which councillor after councillor rose to pledge their support to the workers, noting that the families in Mayo would be lost without them.

In his motion, Cllr Barrett referenced "the invaluable contribution of Section 39 and Section 56 workers who serve in disability, community and health sectors, including over 1,000 employees of Western Care in County Mayo", adding that the "council acknowledges the vital role they play in supporting our most vulnerable citizens". 

"These workers represented by SIPTU, FORSA and INMO are currently engaged in a campaign for pay parity with the public service, following commitments made by the Government. While an agreement for an 8% pay increase between October 2023 and March 2024 was reached, further negotiations on pay parity have stalled, with the Government now refusing to engage in meaningful talks. 

"This Council calls on the Minister for Health and the Junior Minister for Disability to immediately return to negotiations and honour the commitment to secure fair pay for these essential workers. Mayo County Council stands in solidarity with Section 39 and Section 56 workers and urges the Government to resolve this matter without further delay."

Following several contributions from councillors regarding the valuable work carried out by the workers and Western Care staff, Cllr Donna Sheridan stated: “We stand behind you and in solidarity with you whether that be in strikes or whatever”.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne added: “We can tell you here how great you are but there is nothing we can actually do on this.” 

Cllr Blackie Gavin said he was delighted to see Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway Walsh in the public gallery supporting the workers, adding: “I hope she raises it in the Dáil because that is the place to raise it and don’t sit down until you get answer from the Minister for Health.”