Donegal Health Care Assistants Win Overtime Payments Back to 2018

Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in Donegal have successfully secured back payments for overtime owed to them since 2018. This significant development follows negotiations between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and representatives from the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), which were prompted by a potential strike action.

After a 24-hour strike was suspended on Friday, the HSE committed to paying all outstanding overtime wages over the next 24 months. This agreement comes as a relief to HCAs who had faced ongoing issues related to underpayments and the outsourcing of their roles.

In a statement, Edel McGowan, a SIPTU activist and Donegal-based HCA, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She noted that the agreement not only addresses back payments but also provides assurance about future overtime rates. “What we achieved by our willingness to take industrial action was the security in knowing that our overtime rates are going to be paid going forward, as well as the backdated payments,” she said.

Job security was also a crucial aspect of the negotiations. The HSE reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing direct employment over outsourcing to private providers. This decision is expected to greatly benefit SIPTU members, particularly those on lower-hour contracts who wish to take on additional work.

Following the negotiations, Ciaran Sheridan, a SIPTU Organiser, highlighted the significance of this victory for workers. “This was a huge win for the workers who had been tirelessly fighting for these commitments from the HSE for years,” he stated. Sheridan credited the collective efforts of the Donegal HSE Shop Steward Committee, emphasizing that their resilience and unity led to this successful outcome.

Sheridan further encouraged health workers across the region to join SIPTU, emphasizing the tangible results that can be achieved through collective action. “The message to all health workers is clear: joining SIPTU brings real, tangible results. Collective strength ensures our voices are heard and our rights upheld,” he added.

This agreement marks a turning point for health care workers in Donegal, addressing long-standing grievances and setting a precedent for future negotiations. The commitment to a direct-first employment model by the HSE indicates a shift towards prioritizing stable employment within the health care sector.

As the situation progresses, the positive impact of this agreement may resonate beyond Donegal, serving as an example for health care workers facing similar challenges elsewhere. The resolution of these issues not only enhances the working conditions for HCAs but also ensures better quality care for those they serve.