CEO of Longford's St Christopher's Services Declan Kenny ‘hopeful’ of positive result after Fórsa ballot

The CEO of St Christopher's Services Declan Kenny has said he is ‘hopeful of a positive result’ following the suspension of work-to-rule action at the Longford-based intellectual disabilities provider.

The work-to-rule, which began in mid-November and stemmed from a breach of the 2021 collective agreement on the payment of increments, was suspended last week.

The Fórsa trade union, which represents staff, has indicated it will strongly recommend that the proposals are accepted by members.

The development has been welcomed by Longford-Westmeath TD Micheál Carrigy and Senator Joe Flaherty who both separately expressed hope for a positive resolution to the long-running dispute between management and Fórsa members.

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Following extensive negotiations, Fórsa and St Christopher’s management have now agreed on a set of proposals designed to harmonise pay scales and address staff concerns.

The proposals include rulings that, from January 1, 2025 all staff on the current 2021 pay scale will move to the 2022 scale, with staff moving to the 2023 scale next July.

The ballot of Fórsa members under the new proposals opened on Monday and a result is due to be known by 12-noon on Wednesday.

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CEO of St Christopher's Declan Kenny, who spoke to the Longford Leader before the ballot had closed, said: "While we don't know the result of the ballot yet, I am hopeful of a positive result. Over the past few weeks, I have been engaging with key stakeholders, board members and the management team to ensure that the proposal is sustainable, fair and transparent. I am being very mindful of our service users and their families ; I want to be sure we are focused on the future sustainability of St Christopher's. I'm hopeful the members of the Forsa union will see it as being fair and transparent as well. And then we can all move into Christmas with the industrial action behind us and look forward to doing our best for St Christophers in 2025."

There has been a positive political reaction to the suspension of the work-to-rule action.

Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy highlighted the critical role that St Christopher’s plays in the Longford community and acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the organisation.

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“The measures outlined in this proposal represent a significant step toward resolving the dispute and creating a fairer, more sustainable working environment for staff,” he said. “I hope that Fórsa members will see the merit in these proposals and that this marks the beginning of a brighter chapter for St Christopher’s.”

Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy expressed his ongoing support for the staff, management, and service users at St Christopher's and he vowed to ensure that the organisation continues to provide vital services to those in need.

Also read: Longford TD Micheál Carrigy welcomes progress on St Christopher’s dispute and suspension of work-to-rule action

“I will continue to advocate at the national level for the resources and supports required to secure the long-term future of St Christopher’s and the essential work it does for our community,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, local Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flahery praised Mr Kenny for his work.

“I want to commend the new CEO at the service, Declan Kenny, who headed up discussions with the union and I hope that staff will agree on a proposals that will move affected staff up at increment. It’s a important step and will help restore faith and confidence in staff."

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Senator Flaherty also paid tribute to staff and union reps who have moved swiftly to find a resolution.

“Staff have struggled with this issue for a number of years but always put the service, its service users and their families front and centre," he added.

The Longford Senator said it in critical that the forthcoming programme for government includes a proposal to finally address the long running and divisive issue of pay inequality for staff in Section 39 organisations such as St Christopher’s.”