17/08/2012

Home Helps To Hold Demonstration Against Pay Cuts

SIPTU Home Helps will hold a demonstration in Wicklow Town against attempts to cut their pay and reduce working hours at 3.00 pm on Thursday, 23rd August.

The demonstration will begin outside the Grand Hotel car park at 3.00 p.m. and proceed to the offices of Wicklow Community and Family Services (WCFS), Abbey Street, where a rally will be held.

SIPTU Organiser, John Hubbard, said: "The Home Helps employed by WCFS provide vital and professional services to their clients in the Wicklow area. On 1st May the management of WCFS implemented a 5% pay cut without consultation or agreement with staff. Since 1st August a further 5% pay cut has been implemented, all premium rate payments ended and zero hour contracts introduced.

"The management of WCFS has failed to engage with SIPTU in a meaningful manner in relation to these unilateral changes to Home Helps terms and conditions of employment. Management has also refused to commit to attending the Labour Relations Commission to discuss the matter."

Mr Hubbard added: "The approach of the management of WCFS, which is fully funded by the Health Services Executive, is completely unacceptable. It must be seen in the wider context of attempts nationally to reduce the number of professional Home Helps and outsource the services they provide to private 'for profit' companies."

The Home Helps demonstration is expected to attract support from across the community while a number of local public representatives have indicated that they will attend.

(CD)

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