SIPTU home support service workers in Clare are weighing up the possibility of strike action, claiming they’re being manipulated to avoid the payment of premium rates or overtime hours.
A vote taken by staff working in the sector indicated 95% support for industrial action, which would impact services in Clare alongside Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Donegal.
SIPTU says employers have failed to honour improvements in terms and conditions as agreed to eight years ago, including taking remedial action on ‘unfair’ numbers of split shifts worked by staff.
SIPTU Organiser, Graham Macken, says workers have had to deal with unfair conditions for too long and enough is enough.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Statement from the HSE
The HSE is aware of the ballot conducted by SIPTU amongst Health Care Assistants in Home Support.
All agreements are being honoured by HSE management and work continues at regional level to progress matters.
The HSE believe that the action by SIPTU is not warranted, and are of the view that there is agreement on all issues, except for the discharge of contracted hours, and are willing to engage further on any areas of contention, utilising the full IR processes available, including the Labour Court, given that the matter has been to the WRC.
