SIPTU members working as healthcare assistants (HCAs) in the HSE Home Support Service across counties Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry will engage in strike action next month.
The union is accusing the HSE of failing to honour national agreements on terms and conditions.
HCAs in the HSE Home Support Service will implement 24-hour work stoppages in County Donegal on 13 and 20 February; in counties Cork and Kerry on 19 and 26 February; and in counties Limerick and Clare on 17 and 24 February.
During the work stoppages, the staff will not be available for their normal roster and pickets will be placed at the offices of their employers.
SIPTU said that contingency arrangements for emergency issues relating to service users will be agreed with the HSE.
According to the union, the issues which remain unresolved include underpayments dating back to 2018 and the non-implementation of rostering agreements.
“There are also ongoing breaches of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, resulting in worker burnout due to excessive split shifts and inadequate breaks,” said SIPTU Organiser Graham Macken.
“The dispute also concerns the continued use of contractors, which we believe is inconsistent with the HSE’s commitments under the Public Service Agreement and previous Workplace Relations Commission agreements,” Mr Macken said.
SIPTU said it remains available to engage with the HSE to resolve the dispute.
A spokesperson for the HSE said the decision by SIPTU to commence industrial action is regrettable.
“The HSE believes there are agreed processes provided within the public service agreement to address these matters,” the spokesperson said.
“The HSE is of the view that there is agreement on many of the issues, and these are being progressed in all areas.”
“Management is willing to engage further on any matters of contention and will respond to SIPTU in the coming days with our position,” the HSE said.
