Community sector and section 39 workers unite to demand better pay and conditions

The rally by the community sector and Section 39 health workers, who marched for better pay and respect for their jobs in Dublin city centre on Tuesday. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins 

Workers in the community sector and Section 39 healthcare organisations have turned out in force in Dublin for a rally asking for better pay and respect for the jobs they perform in towns and cities across the country.

Hundreds of organisations provide services under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, which allows for funding to be given to groups that provide health and social care services. Unions say workers in this sector are poorly paid, have little to no pension provision and have poor job security.