The strike due to take place this morning (17th October), has been suspended following agreement between all parties at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). A proposal was agreed that acknowledges that workers in Section 39, 10 and 56 agencies deserve pay equality.
The proposal contains pay increases backdated to April 2023 along with commitments to address the funding issues in the Sector.
The planned strike action followed years of pay disparity between workers in Section 39 (health and disability services) Section 56 (services to children), Section 10 (homeless services), in community services and their counterparts employed directly by the state.
Details of the proposal
This agreement is a significant step forwards for workers in Section 39, 10 and 56 organisations. We are closer to pay parity than we have been in a decade. It sets out a clear path for pay increases and there is a clear commitment to restoration of the link with public sector pay.
For the first time the Government has acknowledged the need for sustainable funding in the sector, that the lack of funding has led to a recruitment and retention crisis, and that the pay of workers in Section 39, 10 and 56 organisations has fallen behind equivalent and comparable grades in public service organisations.
Details of the interim agreement:
1. The pay of workers will be adjusted as follows:
- An increase of 3% from 1 April 2023
- An increase of 2% from 1 November 2023
- An increase of 3% from 1 March 2024
2. The WRC will convene parties to this interim agreement no later than 1 December 2023. The purpose of this engagement will be to agree further adjustments in funding for organisations and their staff that will have regard to the terms of Building Momentum and the terms of any successor agreement.
Thank you to our members and supporters
We could not have gotten to this point without you. Concerted efforts by union members, service users, and supporters have enabled this significant achievement which will transform the provision of critical services for vulnerable people in Ireland.
Your courage and activism have made it possible to achieve this significant step forward for workers in the community and voluntary sector. From organising pickets, writing to politicians, sharing on social media, talking to your communities: every action you took helped us achieve this agreement.
We will be in touch over the coming period with details of briefing sessions, FAQs, and ballot arrangements.