SIPTU members employed at Ireland’s largest dementia care facility have voted in favour of a proposal put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on 7th August ending a long-running dispute.
Members employed as Household/Domestic Staff at St Joseph’s Centre in Shankill, County Dublin, undertook three days of strike action in July following a dispute regarding conditions and pay.
Last week, SIPTU representatives called off 72 hours of further strike action and met with management from St Joseph’s at the WRC.
St Joseph’s Centre, which is part of St John of God services, is the country’s largest care home dedicated solely to dementia care.
In June, SIPTU members voted in favour of industrial action in a ballot concerning management’s failure to recognise the Union’s claim for Household/Domestic Staff.
Over 80 people use the centre daily.
SIPTU Organiser Michelle Waller said: “We welcome a resolution to this dispute which will see our members receive a revised enhanced pay rate.
“Our members have also agreed to an independent evaluation of their duties. This evaluation will examine the range of responsibilities being carried out by staff members to ensure that their duties are appropriate for their role.
“We would like to thank local Shop Stewards and all SIPTU members for their patience, resilience and solidarity throughout the dispute. Their commitment has secured a positive outcome and will hopefully bring certainty going forward.
“This outcome was only achieved because SIPTU members remained united and stood together throughout this process.”