Local People Before Profit representatives in Dublin Midwest have called on members of the public to show their support for striking workers. In recent weeks workers in the local authorities water section, as well as firefighters, have been taking to the picket lines. The water workers who are members of Unite the Union have been on strike against the framework that would see them being moved from the local authorities to Uisce Eireann (previously Irish Water). Workers are concerned about the loss of conditions in the transfer and future privatisation of water services. They are also demanding a referendum on keeping water in public ownership.
Workers in the fire service have been on strike to demand improved pay and conditions for retained fire fighters. The retained workers are currently on a retainer of €8500 per year while having to be on call 24 hours a day in case of a call-out. They are demanding proper pay and conditions.
Gino Kenny TD said: “Both water workers and firefighters provide essential services to the public every single day. These workers deserve to be treated with respect and to be paid properly for the work they do. I urge members of the public to show their support for the workers when out on the picket line.”
Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “I have visited the striking water workers on the picket line and I was impressed by their determination and their commitment to public services. I tabled a motion, which was passed, at the March County Council meeting calling on the government to hold a referendum to keep water services in public ownership.”
People Before Profit representative for Clondalkin Darragh Adelaide said: “I want to express my solidarity with striking workers. The government has a budget surplus of about €16 billion and they are still refusing to pay retained fire fighters a living wage. Frontline workers such as fire fighters and health service workers deserve more than applause, they deserve decent pay for their incredible work.”
Mark Kerins, representative for Lucan added: “I went down to Deansrath to stand on the picket with Unite & SIPTU water workers last week. SIPTU workers have refused to cross the picket showing solidarity. As a shop steward myself I was impressed with the solidarity shown by SIPTU members to the striking Unite workers. This is the type of solidarity we need to win better pay and conditions for workers.”
