SIPTU Demand Extension Of Services To Low Paid Health Workers

SIPTU has demanded the automatic extension of services to all low paid health workers who require them.

Union health representatives urged the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to make the extensions in order to prevent those over 65 being forced into financial hardship or onto exploitive contracts.

SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell said: "Many low paid workers are being forced to retire at 65 without the cushion of the state transitional pension. Over the last few months, SIPTU representatives have presented solutions to the Health Service Executive (HSE) that could prevent our members, who are compelled to retire at 65, from experiencing financial hardship as they await becoming eligible for their state pension.

"In many cases low paid health service workers are being forced to accept lower basic pay and unsocial hours. This clear exploitation of workers must cease and the Government has a duty to ensure that it does."

(MH)