Omagh mental health worker blasts government for ‘disgusting’ pay

“IT is a disgrace. If things do not change, the people who form the engine of our health service could soon be earning less than the legal minimum wage, and that is absolutely disgusting.”

These were the words of Andy McKane when he addressed a crowd of several hundred strikers and supporters outside Omagh Courthouse on Tuesday morning.

Andy, who has been a local mental health support worker for 33 years and is current chair of Fermanagh and Omagh’s Unison branch, was one of the lead speakers when health workers and teachers rallied at the top of Market Street.

After noting that both sets of public servants striking were united by a common plight, Andy spoke about the importance of protecting our public services, the injustice of government cuts, and the vital role that each of us have in helping save our society’s most fundamental systems.

“The backbone of any civilised society,” said Mr McKane, “should rest on two fundamental priorities: To educate our children, and to look after our sick.

“And our government has failed us on both cases,” he said.

“My employer, the Western Trust, is the biggest employer west of the Bann, with 12,000 employees, and what I am about to say will be one of the biggest shocks you’ll hear today.

“Come April,” said Mr McKane, “the legal minimum hourly rate will be £10.42 per hour.

“At that time, if things do not change, our band two support services will be getting paid less than the legal minimum wage.”

After allowing his words time to sink in, Mr McKane continued, “This is the engine of our health service. These are the people who clean the hospital, the porters that meet you with the smile, and the catering people who, after your operation, will make you the nicest bit of tea toast you have ever had.

“And they will be earning below minimum wage. This is absolutely disgusting.”

Turning his attention to those he deems responsible, Mr McKane said, “The current government tells us they have no money – that they cannot afford to pay public sector workers. Yet, they spent millions on PPE during the pandemic, and then spent further hundreds of thousands burning it when it was not fit for purpose.”

Mr McKane went on to flesh out this picture of financial incompetence and inequality, causing the crowd to burst into applause and cheers.

“If our government were teachers, then the inspector would be called in, and they would be put on special measures,” he said.

“If our government were nurses, then they would be found guilty of neglect, and of failing in their duty of care,” he continued.

“And, indeed, if our government worked for Royal Mail, they would be found not delivering.”

Mr McKane said that if the government met the strikers’ demands, it would have a positive impact across the entire local economy.

He claimed that over 80 per-cent of public sector money made in Omagh and its surrounding towns is fed back into the local economy.

“So, if our public sector workers get decent pay, the bars, the restaurants, the shops are getting it, too,” said Mr McKane.

Mr McKane ended his speech by recalling a quote he once seen inscribed on a plaque many years ago.

“’If your cause is just, ask with confidence that your case be heard,’” said Mr McKane.

“Folks, our cause is just, so we ask with confidence that our case be heard.”