Longford Oireachtas member expresses disappointment over ongoing pay issues at St. Christopher’s

Senator Micheál Carrigy has expressed his deep disappointment at the continued failure to resolve the pay issues faced by the staff at St Christopher's in Longford despite numerous promises of resolution. 

Over 130 staff at the intellectual disabilities provider are are set to commence industrial action over an ongoing pay row.

The dispute centres on the non-payment of increments promised under a previous pay agreement.

Senator Carrigy has said he fully supports the staff after months of negotiations yielded no results.

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A proposal was agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) talks in May.

 Management stated that a directive from the HSE had prevented the payment of the increments to staff.

“This industrial action was taken as a last resort by staff who are fully committed to the duty of care they provide to the service users," he said. "It is disheartening that, the €1.3 million has not been released this must be addressed immediately. 

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Senator Carrigy stated the disappointment felt by the staff, and the families of the service users, is completely understandable,

"The staff have been patient and professional throughout this process, and it is unacceptable that they are still waiting for the issues to be resolved,” he added.

Senator Carrigy emphasised his ongoing commitment to advocating for the staff and service users at St. Christopher’s and is urging the relevant parties to take immediate action to resolve the outstanding pay concerns.