Western Alzheimers facing one-day shutdown in Ballindine

Michael Commins

THE Western Alzheimers Respite Centre in Ballindine is facing a one day shutdown on Friday as the campaign over the Section 39 funded organisations escalates a step further.
Industrial action is anticipated at a number of locations around the country this Friday as the campaign to restore full wages to those impacted by the downturn in 2008 gained countryside momentum.
Section 39 organisations funded by the HSE had cuts imposed in line with the public service sector when the recession hit. With the subsequent upswing in the fortunes of the country in recent years, the public sector got pay rises while those in the Section 39 category were left behind. A deal was brokered to have pay rates restored for these workers but this has failed to materialise and has led to the upcoming industrial action on Friday.
Liz Cloherty, SIPTU organiser for the western region and based in Galway, says around 40 workers are involved with the stoppage in Ballindine. “A deal was brokered to have pay rates restored for these workers in the Section 39 category but this has failed to materialise and has led to the upcoming industrial action on Friday.
“Western Alzheimers in Ballindine is one of the place where employees are taking a stand this Friday. They have a very legitimate cause and we all hope for a successful conclusion to this campaign which impacts on many of our members,” said Ms Cloherty.