Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has called on the government to engage meaningfully with striking health service workers and implement the recommendations of the 2017 job evaluation scheme.

The Sinn Féin TD visited the picket line outside Tallaght University Hospital this morning to extend his solidarity to the striking workers.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“I fully stand with the striking health service support staff in their fight for recognition, respect, and pay justice.

“None of the workers I met this morning want to be on strike. These workers trusted in the process that was put in place with respect to the job evaluation scheme.

 “The workers’ demands are reasonable. The HSE has requested the money to pay them what they deserve, but the government has refused to live up to their side of the bargain.

“They trusted the government would be true to its word and would fund the pay rises as recommended. They have been let down and feel undervalued and angry that their trust was taken for granted.

“These workers are the vital backbone of our health service and our local hospital in Tallaght. They include health care assistants, maternity care assistants, laboratory aides, catering staff, porters, chefs and surgical instrument technicians. Without these workers our hospitals would not be cleaned, patients’ food would not be served, and our health service would not function.

“The government’s actions have caused this strike, they now must act to end it. I am calling on the Taoiseach to keep his word, engage meaningfully with the workers, and implement the recommendations of the job evaluation scheme.”

ENDS