Unions representing health workers in the charity and voluntary sectors have reached a tentative agreement with government representatives to resolve a long-running pay dispute.
The deal, finalized during extensive negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), includes a 9.25% pay increase to be implemented over a two-year period from October 2024 to October 2026.
According to RTÉ reports, the agreement also contains a commitment to include workers in the community and voluntary sector in future public sector pay agreements – a significant development for these employees.
SIPTU described the proposals as “a step forward in securing fair pay and recognition for Section 39 workers” but cautioned that “not all issues are resolved.” The union stated that a consultation process will now take place with members once the full details of the proposals are issued for their consideration.
The agreement comes after SIPTU members employed in Section 39 organisations voted overwhelmingly for strike action last month. At that time, the union had warned that if the government “falls short again, our members have delivered a mandate for action to be taken in this dispute.”
Section 39 organisations are charities and voluntary groups contracted by the State to provide essential health services across disability support, primary care, and other critical areas.
Liam Berney, Senior Industrial Officer with ICTU, confirmed that members would now be given the opportunity to evaluate the proposals. “We’ve had a set of proposals that were developed over the course of negotiations today, and these will be considered by unions over the coming days,” Berney told RTÉ News.
The dispute stems from historical inequities. When the economic crash occurred, Section 39 organisations were instructed to impose pay cuts in line with those made on HSE staff. However, while HSE staff pay was later restored during the economic recovery, additional funding to restore the pay of Section 39 organisation staff was not provided, creating a long-standing grievance that this agreement seeks to address.