Budget 2024: Lack of Clear Solution to Avert Strike “Very Concerning”, says The Wheel
Charity representative group concerned over lack of visible measures in Budget 2024 to address impending strike.
With strike action due to begin on numerous state-funded voluntary services on 17 October, Ireland’s national association of charities, The Wheel, has expressed concern at the apparent absence of measures to address this crisis in Budget 2024.
The strikes are a result of pay disparity between frontline staff employed by state-funded health services and equivalent staff working for state-funded community health and social care services. This growing pay gap of between 10% and 15% has resulted in a debilitating recruitment and retention crisis, which is blocking thousands of children and adults from accessing critical mental health, disability, homelessness, and addiction services.
Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel, said, “It is very concerning that there is a notable absence in this year’s budget of funding clearly earmarked to address the staffing crisis facing Section 39/56/10 organisations. If resources are being allocated to resolve pay disparities, it is not currently clear to those involved in delivering these services.”
He added, “The sector urgently requires support to address staff retention in vital disability, health, housing, and children’s services, and we seek clarity on a response to upcoming indefinite strike action that will prevent thousands of people from getting the services that they need.”
The Wheel is calling for clarity for state-funded charities on provisions to resolve this issue ahead of strike action next week.