Councillors stand with public sector workers
A Sinn Fein motion of support for public sector workers in their current industrial dispute resulted in a dispute of a political nature at the recent meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District when the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan Johnston (FG), attempted to amend the proposal to include a call on the SF Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland to act to quell unrest among the North’s health and social care workers over pay increase delays.
Amid some sharp verbal exchanges, Cllr Seán Conlon accused Cllr Johnston of trying to “make a hames” of the motion while the Cathaoirleach questioned why Sinn Fein appeared opposed to a proposal to help workers in the North get proper pay.
The amendment wasn’t supported and the motion, moved by Cllr Bronagh McAree (SF), passed unanimously.
The motion asked the MD to stand in solidarity with public sector workers and support their industrial action in pursuit of fair pay that reflects the cost of living. It also called on the Government to urgently engage in meaningful negotiations with trade unions and bring forward a credible pay offer to resolve the dispute and avert further strike action, “recognising the essential contribution public sector workers make to our communities.”
Further strike action has been deferred pending talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.
Cllr McAree said the concerns that reluctantly led workers to the picket lines need to be urgently addressed.
“These are the people who keep our services running: caring for patients, teaching our children, maintaining our roads and supporting people across our communities. They deserve fair pay that allows them to meet the cost of everyday life."
Cllr Seamus Treanor (Ind) lambasted the Government for “turning this country into an economy”, referring to rising rents and stating that, even in the 1960s-1980s, people could buy a house and live on their wages but now people work every hour God sends and are lumbered with massive mortgages.
"The Government is allowing every Tom, Dick and Harry to come into this country for cheap labour, while there are young public servants who might take home €500 a week and are being asked to pay €400 in weekly rent. When will we get our country back?”
The Cathaoirleach pointed out that the country is effectively at full employment and some employers need to hire labour from outside Ireland as a lot of jobs can’t be filled from the domestic labour market.
“A lot of these people are helping our grandparents, aunts and uncles in nursing homes,” Cllr Johnston said. “There are many hardworking people in hospitals and other places contributing to society and paying taxes.”
Cllr Johnston proposed an amendment to the SF motion - that the MD also call on the Finance Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive (SF MLA John O’Dowd) to approve the April 2026 Budget so health and social care workers in the North can get their pay awards.
Cllr McAree branded the proposed amendment “pathetic” and her objections to it prompted the Cathaoirleach to ask to be allowed finish his contribution without interruption. He asked the SF councillors if their position is against a proposal to help workers in the North get proper pay.
“That is a reach,” said Cllr McAree, asking the Cathaoirleach to submit his proposal as a fresh motion to the November MD meeting. “As a nurse in the NHS, I will totally support it,” she stated.
Cllr Seán Conlon (SF) accused Cllr Johnston of attempting to “make a hames” of the SF motion.
“If we bring in a motion about roads, will you bring in a motion about roads in the North?” Cllr McAree asked.
“I am entitled to bring this up,” Cllr Johnston insisted.
Cllr Niamh McCooey said what is needed to solve the industrial dispute here is co-operation from FF and FG in government.
The original Sinn Fein motion passed.