Harkin calls for public to support Day of Action

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 14 at 2pm there will be a Day of Action supporting health workers and calling for a pay rise now.

This will be followed on Monday, November 16 at 7.30pm with a public meeting when the subject will be Care Homes Crisis: Why We Need Public Ownership.

People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said: “Healthcare workers are demanding a significant pay rise. They deserve it.

“All essential workers deserve the same. We are calling on everyone to get behind their campaign.

“The Derry and Strabane Council backed our People Before Profit motion supporting the health and social care trade unions’ pay demand - it’s now time for government to act.

“Workers should be treated with respect and the health service needs to be properly funded to meet the multiple challenges it faces.

“The case has never been clearer for an all-Ireland healthcare approach. The pandemic has demonstrated why the private care home model doesn’t work for workers or residents.

“Privatisation needs to be halted and care homes brought under public control. This is true North and South.”

Colr. Harkin’s motion supported by fellow councillors called for the Council to “gives its full support to the demand of health care workers and their trade unions for an immediate pay increase of between £2,000 and 15%. Council supports a significant pay increase for all frontline and essential workers.”

The Council agreed to invite local representatives of health and social care trade unions to speak about their pay, staffing demands and the challenges they face.