SIPTU members employed in the National Advocacy Service (NAS), which provides free representation for adults with disabilities, will commence strike action on Wednesday 12 June.
The union said the strike will continue until there is an acceptable resolution to a dispute over pay and conditions for staff in the government-funded organisation.
“In conjunction with this strike action pickets will also be placed on NAS workplaces by our members,” said SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King.
SIPTU represents 43 of the 48 staff members at the organisation.
“It was with a heavy heart that they voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute resulting from a failure of the company to respect a Labour Court recommendation on staff pay and conditions,” said SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Brendan Carr.
“Our members are fully committed to their clients but believe the very future of NAS is under threat due to the failure of the organisation to provide adequate pay raises and improvements in conditions which are in line with the recommendation from the Labour Court,” Mr Carr said.
The National Advocacy Service said that there may be disruption to its services in the coming weeks due to the strike action and that it is making every effort to minimise the impact on service users and stakeholders.
NAS said it fully acknowledges the validity of the pay claims and stands with its employees in their pursuit of equitable wages.
“There has been no increase in staff salaries and no cost-of-living payment for NAS staff since 2010, when pay conditions were first set out,” a spokesperson said.
“NAS wages are set by our funder, the Citizens Information Board who receive their funding from the Department of Social Protection.”
“We are actively engaging in discussions with the funder to try to reach a fair and amicable resolution that honours the Labour Court recommendations to ensure the sustainability of our service,” NAS said.
