Doherty calls on government to avert strike by Donegal Home Support workers

Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Deputy Pearse Doherty has called on the HSE and Government to urgently intervene to avert strike action by Home Support Workers in Donegal.

The Deputy has been told that strike action is now due to commence on February 13, in a dispute arising from their employer’s failure to honour national agreements on terms and conditions.

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“Home Support Workers right across Donegal provide an essential frontline service that keeps people in their own homes and out of an already overstretched Letterkenny University Hospital," Deputy Doherty said.

“These workers are supporting older people and those with complex needs with dignity and compassion every single day.

“Despite the critical role they play, these workers are being treated in a less favourable manner than colleagues elsewhere in the HSE, and that inequity has been allowed to persist for far too long.

“I have been contacted by workers in Donegal Home Support Services who are absolutely clear that strike action was a last resort. Many have cared for the same clients and families for years and are deeply distressed at the prospect of withdrawing their labour. They have exhausted every available avenue in an effort to avoid this outcome, yet agreements already in place continue to be breached by the HSE.

“The HSE cannot continue to rely on the goodwill and sense of vocation of workers while repeatedly breaking commitments that date back several years. If strike action goes ahead as is now expected on February 13th, the impact will be felt by vulnerable people and families in every corner of Donegal, and responsibility for that will lie squarely with the Government.

“This dispute is entirely avoidable if there is genuine engagement and a willingness to honour existing agreements. I am urging government to act now, treat Donegal Home Support Workers with the fairness and respect they deserve, and ensure that this situation is resolved without further disruption.”