Carers suspend strike action pending Labour Court ruling

IMPACT today suspended strike action by carers’ for people with intellectual disabilities in residential homes, pending the outcome of a Labour Court ruling.

A union spokesman said the decision had been taken following concessions in a statement by the National Implementation Body (NIB) - representing the Government, employers groups and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The NIB was established to ensure delivery of provisions of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Wheelchair bound Mary Kinsella with her mother Dympna. Photograph: Joe O'Shaughnessy

In a statement, the NIB said the Labour Court is the appropriate body to adjudicate on the differing views. It asked for all industrial action to be suspended pending the Labour Court’s examination of the issue.

According to IMPACT, this statement represents a significant change in the health employers’ position - giving the Labour Court the freedom to make recommendations on the dispute other than in the context of benchmarking.

Up to 1,000 people with intellectual disabilities in residential care were relocated either to their family homes or alternative serviced accommodation as a result of the strike.

The Minister for Health, Mr Martin welcomed the news and said he would implement the final recommendation of the Labour Court.

Mr Ruairi Quinn talking by-standers on Moore Street during his walkabout today. Photograph: David Labanyi

The move raised the hope that intellectually disabled people could return to care homes.

Earlier today, the Minister for Health was accused of avoiding the issue of the carers’ dispute over wage parity by Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn.

On a walking tour of Dublin City Centre, Mr Quinn told ireland.comthe Minister's insistence the issue be dealt with under benchmarking was bringing no relief to the vulnerable people at the centre of the dispute.

"I don’t see how you can break a connection between two sets of salaries and then re-introduce benchmarking," said Mr Quinn.

While respecting the right of the unions to take action, Mr Quinn said he supported the action taken by SIPTU who suspended their industrial action pending the ruling of the Labour Court.

He said the dispute is with "the paymaster, the Department of Health and ultimately the Department of Finance. Not with the disabled patients."

The Labour Court heard submissions from SIPTU and the Health Service Employers' Agency today.

Following the meeting, SITPU’s National Industrial Secretary Mr Matt Merrigan said: "We are satisfied that the Court this afternoon was a constructive one and provides a real opportunity to address the needs of workers we represent in the sector".