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2009

SIPTU seeks meeting with HSEEA over pay claim as over 34,000 members ballot for industrial action from November 6th

Date Released: 11 Oct 2009

SIPTU is seeking an urgent meeting with the head of the Health Services Executive Employers Agency, Sean McGrath, as it begins balloting members for industrial action in pursuit of the 3.5% part increase due under the first phase of the Transitional Agreement since September 1. The Union’s Health Services Sectoral Organiser Paul Bell served the claim on behalf of over 34,000 members in State funded hospitals and institutions throughout the Republic two weeks ago.

“The HSEEA seemed surprised at our claim”, Mr Bell said today. “However they have continually pursued implementation of the modernisation and flexibility clauses of the agreement with us over the past year. They do not seem to realise that they cannot unilaterally suspend one element of the agreement while securing our co-operation on non-pay elements.

“I think they expected us to kick for touch on this one and just refer it on to the Labour Relations Commission or Labour Court, but we need to establish if they are going to honour the agreement up front, or an acceptable alternative. If not then we will have a mandate for industrial action.”

Mr. Bell confirmed that the ballot currently underway would be in place in time for the national campaign by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and SIPTU from November 6, onwards. “As far as we are concerned we have an agreement and the pay element is now over a month overdue and must be implemented without delay.

“Our members have already endured the implementation of pension, health and employment levies that reduced their salary by between five and eight percent. Over the past few weeks there has been constant speculation over comments by the Taoiseach and other members of the Cabinet that further pay cuts could be back on the agenda for the public services in the December Budget.

“We are sending a clear message to the HSEEA and the Government that SIPTU members in the health services will not tolerate further cuts while the banks and better elements in our society are pampered.”





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