Community Employment (CE) workers receiving One Parent Family or Disability allowances are being targeted by the Minister for Finance.

Minister Lenihan recently stated that he intends to stop these social welfare payments for CE Workers. (Irish Independent 12th May 2010).

Your Right Your Fight Campaign
Its time for CE workers to get up and fight for the right to work. These proposed cuts would be devastating for CE workers and for the community as a whole. It would deny CE workers the opportunity to seek training, education and to improve their lives. It would also impact on Community projects which rely on CE workers to deliver services e.g community childcare, care for the elderly, drugs projects.

These are some of the views of CE workers:

Joyce - CE Worker and Lone Parent
"I was so happy when I qualified for my CE scheme as it integrated me back into my community. I fear the cuts will mean I lose my scheme. I was looking forward to finishing FETAC 1eve1 4 & 5 in Administration & Computers. My course means everything to me."

Joan - CE Worker on Disability Allowance
"If allowances for CE workers are cut by the government it would be a disaster as far as I am concerned. In 2006 I had been 4 years looking for an employment before CE was suggested as a Jobs Coach in Dublin South Supported Employment. I said yes as it was it my last hope of finding work. I would urge the government to think again and to take CE off its list of cuts, and think of the stress and strain it will cause me and many CE workers like me."

Kerri- Daughter of CE Worker
"Since my Mum went on CE she is a much happier and more confident woman and life has changed for our family. She is also able to attain qualifications to do a job that she loves doing, that is, Care for the Elderly in the Community."

Get Involved In The Campaign
If you wish to get involved in the fight back against cuts please contact Paul Hansard and Shonagh Byrne in SIPTU.
Telephone: 0877266022 / 01-8586364
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