Staff at a Longford intellectual disabilities provider have begun industrial action today over a pay row. Over 130 staff in St Christopher's have commenced the work-to-rule action after management informed staff earlier this year that they would be suspending incremental payments in 2024 'until further notice' as ordered by the HSE. The centre on the Battery Road in Longford Town provides a community-based service for people with intellectual difficulties.
Local political representatives have stated it's their hope that the issue will be resolved and the money paid soon. However, staff say with no decision yet, they've been left with no choice but to take action. Assistant General Secretary with FORSA Trade Union, Tony Martin, explains what form the work to rule will take:
Addressing service users and their families at the facility, The FORSA Union official says service users will not be put at risk in anyway as part of this action:
