SIPTU members working in contract cleaning and security have called on the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to intervene to honour a commitment made to all essential frontline health workers in respect of the pandemic recognition payment.
Protests were held in Limerick, Dublin, and Galway today to mark International Day of Justice for Cleaners and Security Guards.
In January 2022, the Government announced that frontline public sector healthcare workers would receive a €1,000 bonus to recognise their unique role during the pandemic.
Contract cleaners and security guards said today that, 18 months on, they are still fighting for their payments.
"We are the forgotten workers on the frontline," said contract cleaner and SIPTU shop steward Lorraine Clinch.
"We never missed a day during the pandemic and made sure that hospitals kept running," Ms Clinch said.
Security worker and SIPTU member in Galway Pat Monahan said is frustrating to see colleagues receive the payment while he continues to wait.
"As essential frontline health workers, we put our lives at risk during the pandemic, and to still not have received this recognition is beyond insulting," Mr Monahan said.
A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive said that the process of making payments to various employers is ongoing.
"This includes certain requests such as clarifications to ensure the eligibility of staff, in line with the Government decision," the HSE said.
"We must be mindful that the funding provided is done so correctly," the spokesperson added.
