Citizens Information in Killarney is closed today as SIPTU members employed by the National Advocacy Service (NAS) picket the office.
The closure also affects the Killarney MABS office - the Money Advice & Budgeting Service.
The union says it began strike action on 8th June because it received no commitment that a Labour Court recommendation would be honoured.
The NAS carries out confidential work for people with disabilities, by intervening and advocating for them in-person, in areas such as housing, justice, health care, safeguarding and decision-making.
Today marks the end of the second week of indefinite industrial action, over what the union says is the failure of the Citizens Information Board and its funder, the Department of Social Protection, to implement a Labour Court recommendation made in January.
The union claims the terms and conditions of NAS staff are "markedly inferior" to people carrying out similar work in other agencies.
NAS clients have been entirely without advocacy services for those two weeks.
Radio Kerry has contacted the National Advocacy Service, the Citizens Information Board and the Department of Social Protection for Comment.
In a statement to Radio Kerry, Joanne Condon, NAS National Manager said “We deeply regret the inconvenience this strike action has caused to those who rely on our service. Many of the people NAS supports are isolated from their community of choice or mainstream society, may communicate differently and/or have limited informal or natural supports. We are extremely mindful of the repercussions this strike will have on them, especially on those individuals who are in particularly vulnerable situations. Their welfare and support remains our highest priority. Every effort is being made to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties to resolve this situation as swiftly as possible. It is essential for our staff to receive reasonable pay that reflects the critical nature of the work they perform. We remain hopeful that through continued negotiation with our funders, The Citizen’s Information Bureau and The Department of Social Protection, a swift solution that respects and values the vital contributions of our dedicated staff while ensuring the continuity of the critical services we provide can be made.”
The strike action will continue on Monday.
