A Midlands-North West MEP has commended the work being done by the Finn Valley Family Resource Centre during a recent visit.
Sinn Fein MEP Chris McManus made the visit during the week, meeting with Sally Mooney and Claire O’Kane from the centre.
He said that “…this work is vital for addressing social exclusion, poverty, assisting marginalised groups and providing equal opportunities to all. It underlines the need for Finn Valley FRC and other community sector organisations to be protected and adequately resourced so that they can continue to provide these invaluable services.”
MEP McManus has also called for resource workers to get pay increases as many of their wages have remained stagnant for a decade and a half.
“In particular workers in these organisations must be treated fairly. Many haven’t received a pay rise since as far back as 2008. This has led to huge recruitment issues within the sector, due to the pay disparity with workers doing the same jobs in state agencies.”
“While it is welcome that an agreement has been reached between the Government and Unions in recent weeks, this should be seen as just the first step in improving community sector workers’ conditions of employment.”
