‘Essential workers deserve Covid-19 recognition payment’ - PBP

A majority of Councillors have backed a proposal from PBP Councillors Shaun Harkin and Eamonn McCann.

Speaking after the issue was raised at a recent Council meeting, in a statement the two Councillors stated: “Essential workers have played a heroic role throughout the pandemic response. It’s time they’re treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

They said the vast majority of Councillors have agreed to support their proposal to call on the Executive Office to release financial funding towards “a recognition payment for all frontline workers in the public, private, community and voluntary sectors”.

“Council officers confirmed there has been as yet no response from OFMDFM to this request,” they said, adding:

“Many frontline workers are low paid. This includes far too many in the health service, in care homes, in domiciliary care and in retail. A recognition payment shouldn’t be necessary but so many essential jobs have been devalued in recent decades. Big employers, especially those who have profited during the crisis, should step up to fund a recognition payment.”

They warned that central government measures had effectively led to pay cuts for essential workers in recent years, and warned that new soundings that further pay freezes and ‘hard decisions’ will be necessary must be fought “all the way”.

“A recognition payment is a means to demonstrate a meaningful appreciation of NHS workers and all frontline workers. And it shouldn’t stop there. All essential workers deserve a pay raise, better terms and conditions and unobstructed access to trade union representation,” the Councillors said, adding:

“We shouldn’t let the political establishment and bosses forget the sacrifices workers have made during this crisis. We shouldn’t accept the massive inequalities they have imposed.”