Harkin demands all-Ireland COVID-19 approach, nationalisation of care homes, and pay rise for health workers

Derry councillor Shaun Harkin has called for an all-Ireland approach for COVID-19, the nationalisation of all care homes, and a pay rise for healthcare workers.

He issued the calls as part of People Before Profit's All-Ireland Healthcare Week of Action that is taking place this week.

"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," said the Foyleside councillor.

Colr. Harkin said 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 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," he stated.