SIPTU members working in a centre that is part of the St John of God group will go on strike next month in a dispute over pay and grading.
The workers involved are household/domestic staff at St Joseph’s Centre, a dementia care home in Shankill, Dublin.
SIPTU has accused management of failing to recognise its claim for regrading the workers as ‘multi-task attendants’, in line with the duties they currently carry out.
Earlier this month, a ballot was held in which members voted in favour of industrial action.
The first of a series of strikes will take place on Wednesday 15 July.
SIPTU health official Michelle Waller said the union met management last month at the Workplace Relations Commission to resolve the dispute.
“However, on the day, management did not put forward any proposals to address the dispute,” Ms Waller said.
“In the absence of a satisfactory resolution, formal notice of industrial action has now been served on management.”
“SIPTU remains available and willing to engage with management at any point to resolve this dispute and secure a fair and appropriate outcome for members,” she added.
In a statement, St Joseph’s Centre said it is aware of the notification of industrial action by SIPTU members scheduled for 15 July.
“As this matter is part of an ongoing industrial relations process, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific issues in dispute,” the centre said.
“We also consider it premature to speculate on the potential impact of industrial action at this point, given that the proposed date is several weeks away and there remains time for further engagement through the appropriate industrial relations channels.
“We greatly value the contribution of all colleagues across St Joseph’s Centre, including our household and domestic teams, whose work is an important part of daily life in the centre.”
“Our immediate priority is, and will remain, the safety, care and wellbeing of residents and staff alike. Contingency planning is underway to ensure continuity of essential services, and we will keep residents and families informed as appropriate,” the centre said.
