WRC talks yield possible end to pay dispute at Longford's St Christopher’s Services

The threat of strike action at Longford's St Christopher’s Services appears to have been averted.

A proposal was agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) talks which took place on Friday.

Notice of strike action had been served on St Christopher’s management three weeks ago. The three week notice period was suspended last week, pending the start of the WRC talks. 98% of the staff had balloted for industrial action.

The dispute centred on the non-payment of increments that had been promised under a previous pay agreement. Management stated that a directive from the HSE had prevented the payment of the increments to staff.

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St Christopher’s CEO Derek Scanlon welcomed the outcome of the WRC talks.

“Following extensive discussions in a WRC facilitated conciliation meeting between St Christopher’s and Forsa I am very pleased that we were able to table a proposal that moves some way towards resolving the concerns of Forsa members,” he said.

Also read: Planned industrial action at Longford's St Christopher’s Services postponed pending WRC talks

The proposal that was tabled will now be put to a ballot of Forsa members within the Service. 

“We are very thankful for the continued positive engagement by Forsa and their members. It was evident from the WRC meeting that Forsa members have the best interests of their members at heart. As an organisation we make every effort to ensure that our staff receive the pay they are entitled to,” Mr Scanlon added.

Industrial action is completely suspended pending the ballot on the proposal which will take place in the coming weeks. The announcement will undoubtedly ease the fears of families of service users.

Also read: Palpable fear as Longford's St Christopher’s running a €4.4 million deficit

St Christopher’s Services was established in the 1960’s by friends and families who identified the need for such a service within County Longford and the midlands.

The service has grown and provides in excess of 120 adult day service places, 40 full time adult residential places, 25 adult respite places and 15 child respite places. There are some 300 full and part time staff employed within the Services. 

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