Longford Senator insists Programme for Government must address pay inequality for Section 39 organisations

Senator Joe Flaherty has welcomed a breakthrough in the long running pay dispute at St Christopher's Services in Co Longford.

Last week staff suspended their work to rule to facilitate a ballot this Monday on a serious of proposals following discussions with the Forsa union and service management.

The Longford Fianna Fáil Senator said: “I want to commend the new CEO at the service, Declan Kenny, who headed up discussions with the union and I hope that staff will agree on a proposals that will move affected staff up at increment. It’s a important step  and will help restore faith and confidence in staff.”

Also read: Longford TD Micheál Carrigy welcomes progress on St Christopher’s dispute and suspension of work-to-rule action

He also paid tribute to staff and union reps who have moved swiftly to find a resolution.

Senator Flaherty added: “Staff have struggled with this issue for a number of years but always put the service, its service users and their families front and centre.”

Also read: New CEO of Longford's St Christopher's Services hopeful of ending dispute

The Longford Senator said it in critical that the forthcoming programme for government includes a proposal to finally address the long running and divisive issue of pay inequality for staff in Section 39 organisations such as St Christopher’s.”

Also read: Longford TD calls for 'pay parity' agreement

He said: “The two tier structure has been soul destroying for staff and management and needs to be addressed nationally. The obvious and best solution for St Christopher’s and other Section 39 organisations is for the HSE to take over the payroll function and that will ensure that staff are on the same scale as their HSE peers and receive increments at the same time.”