The Government is “actively considering” giving a bonus to healthcare workers in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices during the pandemic, the Taoiseach has said.
Yesterday, trade unions, including the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO), Siptu and Forsa, met with the HSE and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discuss a bonus payment for healthcare workers.But no positive developments was evolved in the meeting favoring health care workers.
Taoiseach said”There’s been a claim by all public service health employees before the WRC, and we’ll be giving that active consideration as to the best way to do this.”
Unions representing healthcare workers have said they are “deeply offended” by a lack of proposals to recognise their efforts during the pandemic.In February last, the Tanaiste (Leo Varadkar) suggested that they be given a cash payment or additional leave but last meeting didn’t had any positive outcomes.
Mr Martin added: “I agree entirely that workers across the economy, and without question our public servants and frontline healthcare workers, have made an extraordinary contribution to helping society deal with an unprecedented pandemic which has turned upside down all of our lives.Without frontline healthcare workers we would have been in extreme difficulty in meeting and dealing with the challenge of the pandemic.The sense of community and solidarity in this country as we continue to fight Covid is truly remarkable.”