Collins backs Section 39 workers: “Their work must be recognised and properly paid”

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD has welcomed the upcoming talks between the Government and unions representing 27,000 disability workers in the community and voluntary sector. Collins has called for a swift resolution to the dispute and for Section 39 workers’ essential contributions to be fully recognised with fair pay and conditions.

“These workers provide vital disability services on behalf of the State, yet they continue to be treated as second-class employees when it comes to pay and conditions,” Collins said. “It is completely unacceptable that they are still waiting for fair pay, despite the Government’s own commitments.”

Many of these workers are employed in Section 39 organisations, which are funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) but not classified as public sector employees. As a result, they have been excluded from public sector pay agreements, despite providing essential healthcare services.

Collins pointed out that the Programme for Government includes a commitment to address pay issues in disability services, yet no specific mention was made of Section 39 workers, leaving them in continued uncertainty.

Government must honour its commitments
Earlier this month, SIPTU announced a ballot for strike action, accusing the Government of failing to honour an agreement made at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in October 2023, which promised to restore the pay link between the public sector and the voluntary sector.

“It’s disgraceful that these workers had to threaten strike action just to get the Government to listen,” Collins said. “The deal reached in 2023 must be honoured. No more delays, no more excuses.”

Time for action, not more delays
Collins welcomed the Government’s move to call the unions to talks but insisted that the issue must be resolved quickly and that Section 39 workers must receive the fair pay they deserve.

“Disability services depend on these workers. Their dedication, their hard work, and their expertise are no different from their public sector counterparts—so why should their pay be?”

Collins has called on Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and the Government to immediately commit to restoring fair pay and ensuring Section 39 workers are not left in limbo any longer.

“The message is clear—these workers must be recognised, respected, and properly paid. The Government has dragged its feet for too long. It’s time to deliver.”