Disability workers 'will not back down' from strike action, charities warn 

The Cheshire Ireland centre in Waterford. Cheshire Ireland CEO Theresa Anderson said section 39 workers provide essential services for the state.

Disability workers will not back down from strike action this time if promises on a government pay deal remain unfilled again, services and support organisation Cheshire Ireland has said.

Thousands of people work for similar charities but although working on contract for the HSE, their pay is lower than directly-employed HSE staff.

They threatened strike action in October 2023, but this was averted by pledges to address the gaps to the relief of the vulnerable people in their care. Over a year on however and those pay gaps remain.

Cheshire Ireland CEO Theresa Anderson said these workers provide essential services for the state.

She argued this mean they should be paid “at the same rate” as people working for the HSE and others paid under an arrangement called Section 38.

The lack of engagement on the part of the Government over the last 12 months has allowed those in power to avoid dealing with this issue and bring justice to those working in section 39 organisations.

Section 38 organisations are funded by the State, while section 39 organisations are partly funded by the State.

Some months on from the general election, Ms Anderson said she is “extremely disappointed but not surprised” these delays have continued. The trade union Siptu is now balloting for industrial action again.

“The failed promises of Government in 2023 mean that this time there will be no backing down for any deal that does not deliver pay parity,” Ms Anderson warned.

She called on the Government to fulfil pledges made in 2023. Election manifestos for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael included commitments to achieving pay parity with the public sector for Section 39 workers, she added. 

Cheshire Ireland met Simon Harris about this on January 25 when he was Taoiseach.

“We await action from the new ministers with responsibility for disability, Norma Foley and Hildegarde Naughton,” the charity said.

Cheshire Ireland cares for over 250 people around the country including in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford.

Other organisations balloting now include Enable Ireland, Disability Federation of Ireland, and Kerry Parents and Friends Association.