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SIPTU health workers in Dublin vote by 98 per cent in favour of industrial action to protect their jobs and conditions

Date Released: 20 Jan 2009

SIPTU members in the Dublin Health Services Branch have voted by 98 per cent to take industrial action if necessary to protect their jobs and conditions of employment. The count was concluded in Liberty Hall, Dublin, this afternoon.

“The decision to ballot for contingent strike action arose out of a clear and provocative public statement by a senior manager in the HSE to the effect that health workers were inefficient, too expensive and inflexible”, SIPTU Health Sector Organiser Paul Bell said.

“He went on to say he intended tearing up or ignoring collective agreements, which enshrine our agreed terms and conditions of employment, and, furthermore, to ignore existing third party procedures for resolving disputes.

“This was tantamount to a declaration of war on our members. We had only one way of preparing for such an attack and that was to obtain a strike mandate.

“The timing of the attack coincided with efforts by senior trade union officials, representing all health service workers from all grades, to negotiate a framework document and protocol agreement, which would allow new efficiencies to be introduced on a partnership basis, with the right to full consultation for workers affected in each hospital and agency. The result of the ballot has been overwhelmingly in favour of protective strike action, and we are now equipped to protect members should management implement their threats.

“This is not to say we do not recognise there is a crisis in the public finances and that we will all need to work together to address it. Our Branch is willing to engage in far reaching discussions with employers and we will not be found wanting. The proper way to do this is not by declaring war on workers but by a speedy and concentrated engagement to identify and address issues.

“While the ballot was underway intensive efforts were made to develop a protocol for change. We are close to completing the discussions and are hopeful that we will arrive at a successful outcome.  Among the issues being addressed is the continued employment of many workers on temporary contracts.

“Our members are not afraid to make sacrifices in order to protect and improve the Health Service for the general public. We have already demonstrated our willingness to help our nation’s economy by accepting a one year pay freeze. However, it is important for Health Service employers to recognise that sustainable progress can only come through dialogue and engagement.

“We therefore call on the HSE to continue to engage with us to bring about a mutually acceptable outcome to the great crisis we are facing.”





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