Section 39 strike off as Tipperary TD criticises Government for leaving talks go to end

As the threatened strike by Section 39 health care workers was called off this morning, Tipperary TD Martin Browne has criticised the Government for leaving progress on pay talks with the workers until the last minute.

The indefinite strike action was called of in the early hours of Tuesday morning, only a few hours before strike action was due to begin.

“It was unforgivable for the Government to leave it until the last minute to present an offer that was deemed sufficient to avert strike action," he said.

The Sinn Féin TD said that his could have been achieved a long time before and could have avoided causing the level of worry and concern that the users of services provided by Section 39 organisations had on Monday evening, and, indeed, for weeks prior to the proposals tabled on Monday night.

“Section 39 workers are essential workers, but like carers they are forced to fight their corner continuously. Treating workers in this manner is plain wrong. Workers in Section 39 organisations are, like carers, the cornerstone of care in just about every community across Tipperary," he said.

He said that it should not be forgotten that by failing to address these shortcomings in the past, the Government had allowed a recruitment crisis to emerge in these organisations, which impacted the communities in which they operate.

“It is time that all of these workers are shown the respect they deserve and to have their contribution to society recognised without having to threaten strike action.

“Neither can we forget about our family carers, who, despite being regularly lauded for the selfless work that they do, continue to have their work and dedication taken for granted, and operate in a system that fails to provide enough respite, homecare packages and remuneration.

“To make all of these workers fight for proper pay and conditions shows a lack of respect for them and for the people who avail of their services.

“It is welcome that progress has been made, but it is important that as members consider the proposals, the Government shelves the hard line approach they have adopted to-date.”