Running to stand still? Two decades of trade union activity in the Irish long-term care sector

Caroline Murphy and Michelle O’Sullivan
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Caroline Murphy: 8808University of Limerick, Ireland
Michelle O’Sullivan: 8808University of Limerick, Ireland

Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, 2021, vol. 27, issue 3, 383-397

Abstract: This article examines the ongoing efforts of trade unions in Ireland to protect and improve the working conditions of personal care workers amid employment and social policy regimes associated with a liberal welfare state. Comparatively low public expenditure on care and the increasing marketisation of care services have undermined the provision of decent work. This article assesses two major union campaigns related to personal care workers over two decades, and reviews the key priorities that have emerged for unions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider whether the outcomes of these campaigns have been converted into enhanced rewards for workers and discuss the continuing challenges for union campaigning.

Keywords: Long-term care; personal care; trade unions; working hours; pay cuts; non-profit; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:treure:v:27:y:2021:i:3:p:383-397

DOI: 10.1177/10242589211028461

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