'Concession' on 'long overdue' community employment pay claim welcomed in Laois

An Government concession that people employed to help communities deliver on projects have a right to more pay has been welcomed by Laois Offlay TD TD Brian Stanley.

The Sinn Féin TD was speaking after he said the Government had "finally" recognised and conceded that Community Employment (CE) Supervisors have a "legitimate pay claim".

“Supervisors of Community Employment (CE), Rural Social Schemes (RSS) and Tús Schemes have not received a pay increase since 2008. Like other workers they are also experiencing a cost of living crisis. This has been raised consistently by their trade unions, Forsa and SIPTU and we in Sinn Féin have also raised it with Government.

"I welcome the fact that Government have now agreed to attend the Workplace Relation Commission (WRC) to discuss and negotiate the level of any increase. The fact that they finally conceded to this is long overdue as their last increase for the CE, RSS and Tús supervisors was in 2008," he said.

The TD explained the importance of such workers in his constituency and right around Ireland.

“Supervisors who look after the running of and oversee these schemes are doing important work. This includes management of staff, administration work and organising of training etc. The workers on these schemes provide valuable services in local communities. These include local meals on wheels, upkeep of sports grounds/ local amenities and the enhancement of towns and villages," he said.

Positive Christmas sales period for hospitality and retail in Laois

The TD concluded by saying that he look forward negotiations at the WRC reaching successful conclusion and the Government accepting the outcome.