13/09/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Labour Court hearing on health workers’ claim for recognition of their work during Covid-19 pandemic

A Labour Court hearing on the row over recognition for health workers’ efforts and commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic takes place later today (Monday, 13thSeptember). Trade unions representing health workers referred the case to the Labour Court following a July meeting in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), when the HSE said it had no mandate from the Government to make proposals to recognise health workers’ contribution.

The unions, led by Fórsa, the INMO and SIPTU, subsequently asked An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin to intervene amid growing frustration among health staff.

Tony Fitzpatrick, INMO Director of Industrial Relations said: “Health workers welcomed comments by An Taoiseach and other senior Government figures, who have gone on record to support the proposal that their efforts during the pandemic should be recognised. So they were incredulous that the HSE claimed it had no mandate to engage on the issue. That’s why we’ve had to take our case to the Labour Court.”

Fórsa’s Head of Health & Welfare, Éamonn Donnelly, said: “This has become deeply damaging to the morale of health care workers who, without exception, have demonstrated extraordinary commitment in their response to public need since the pandemic struck in February 2021. It’s demoralising that we’ve ended up in the Labour Court when there is broad public and political consensus on the issue.”

SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “The Republic is out of step with Northern Ireland, the UK, and most EU countries, where health workers have already seen recognition of their extraordinary efforts and contribution. Over 30,000 health care workers have been infected with Covid-19 since the pandemic struck in Ireland.”

The case before the Labour Court today is in the name of the National Staff Panel of health unions, which represents members of the INMO, SIPTU, Fórsa, IMO, MLSA, UNITE, CONNECT, and the craft group of unions.

09/09/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Sláintecare Needs “Urgent Recommitment” say Health Unions

Ireland’s major health unions today (Thursday, 9th September) called for an “urgent recommitment” to the Sláintecare health reform programme, following the resignation of two senior officials associated with the project.

Professor Tom Keane (Chairperson) and Dr. Laura Magahy (Executive Director) both stepped down from their positions with the programme. In his resignation letter, Prof. Keane said that the requirements for implementing Sláintecare were “seriously lacking”.

Members of the the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Health Sector Group, including the INMO, SIPTU and Forsa, who represent workers across the health sector, have now jointly called for:

  • The Oireachtas Health Committee to be reconvened to look into the resignations;
  • The Minister for Health to clearly renew his commitment to the Sláintecare project;
  • A commitment to transition funding for Sláintecare in the upcoming budget;
  • A return to the original principles of the Sláintecare plan, including basing the project office in the Department of the Taoiseach and the creation of regional authorities.

Congress Health Sector Group Coordinator, Macdara Doyle said:

“The resignations of Sláintecare’s most senior official are deeply worrying. COVID has further exposed the weakness of a two-tier health service. Now is the time to redouble our efforts on healthcare reforms, not fall back.

“The resignations should serve as a wakeup call for the political system. Sláintecare has cross-party support – it is well beyond time that it becomes a reality.

“The Oireachtas Health Committee needs to meet on this matter urgently. The Minister for Health needs to make a clear commitment to the plan and this has to be backed up by firm commitments from his colleagues in government.”

08/09/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Have your say! Respect=Recognition for Health Workers Survey

SIPTU representatives, along with other health unions, are working together to win recognition for the effort and commitment shown by health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of their ‘Respect = Recognition’ campaign.

We are asking members to support the campaign by completing a short survey which will help strengthen the case we are putting to the Government and Labour Court.

A Labour Court hearing is expected to bring the parties together on Monday, 13th September. The court hearing comes after HSE representatives failed to table an offer at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in early August.

Health workers in Northern Ireland, France, Denmark and elsewhere have been offered some form of tangible recognition for their work during the pandemic crisis. We believe that similar recognition should be afforded to our frontline heroes in health.

We will keep you informed of any updates on our hearing at the Labour Court and we thank you for your continued support and efforts.

15/08/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Unions seek Taoiseach’s intervention on health workers’ Covid recognition

Trade unions representing health workers have asked Micheál Martin to help resolve the row over recognition for health workers’ efforts and commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a letter sent last Friday (13th August), they called on the Taoiseach to “intervene immediately to authorise the HSE and relevant Government departments to engage with health service unions to agree and implement the promised recognition without any further delay.”

The move reflects growing frustration among health workers, which was compounded by the HSE’s failure to put forward any proposals at a recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing. Instead, the HSE said it was awaiting Government authorisation to engage with the unions.

Tony Fitzpatrick, who chairs the ‘Staff Panel’ of health service unions, said engagements with the HSE since last November had resulted in no progress despite public statements from An Taoiseach, health minister Stephen Donnelly and other senior Government figures, in which they supported proposals to recognise health workers’ extraordinary contribution during the pandemic.

Mr Fitzpatrick wrote: “While health workers appreciate the many supportive statements from you and other Government representatives, they have yet to see any tangible progress towards recognition for their efforts and, in many cases, sacrifice.

“Thousands of dedicated health care workers have had their reasonable expectations raised by the welcome public statements of support by you and other politicians. But they are incredulous at reports that no recognition was offered at the August WRC meeting, and at the news that their unions must now argue their case – seemingly uncontested by the most senior members of Government and health service management – before the Labour Court.”

Mr Fitzpatrick said the impasse was “deeply damaging to the morale of all health care workers who, without exception, have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and willingness to respond to national and public need, as well as Government demands in response to the pandemic.”

The unions have referred the dispute to the Labour Court, but say this should not be necessary as there is broad public and political consensus on the issue. “It can only be described as an extraordinary situation,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.

The unions say the Government’s failure to act has put the Republic out of step with Northern Ireland, the UK, and most EU countries, where health workers have already seen recognition of their extraordinary efforts and contribution.

They also point to research that shows staff who work directly with Covid-19 patients are 47 times more likely to catch the virus than those impacted through community-acquired infection. “Over 30,000 health care workers have been infected with Covid-19 since the pandemic struck in Ireland, and more than 600 have been infected in the most recent 14-day epidemiological report,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.

The national staff panel of health care workers unions represents members of the INMO, SIPTU, Fórsa, IMO, MLSA, UNITE, CONNECT, and the craft group of unions.

13/08/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

SIPTU says increasing pay not work permits will solve Health Care Assistants shortage

SIPTU representatives have called for a review of the rates of pay and the duties of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in response to a shortage of staff in the sector, rather than seeking to recruit workers from outside the European Economic Area to fulfil these roles.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Marie Butler, said: “SIPTU representatives are surprised by the call by the employers’ group, Home and Community Care Ireland, that the Government should provide work permits for workers from outside the European Economic Area so they can be employed as HCAs.

“We have already written to the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, earlier this year on this issue. In this correspondence we highlighted that there are more than 47,500 people with the relevant qualification, at QQ1 Level 5, to be employed as HCAs. It is clear that large numbers of these qualified professionals are not working as HCAs and have instead sought alternative employment.

“This is due to the unsatisfactory working conditions which are still prevalent within the sector, in both residential facilities and home care settings. These poor conditions include low rates of pay, the use of minimum hour contracts and pressures resulting from a lack of staff. In the private home care sector we are aware of HCAs who are paid the minimum wage and are not reimbursed for their fuel costs or the time spent travelling between clients’ homes.

“What is needed to rectify this situation is a review of the conditions for workers in the sector and agreed improvements rather than seeking workers from outside the European Economic Area or, which has also been mooted, some form of bogus ‘self-employment ‘where  clients would dial in for home care services.

“In order to begin the process of developing a sustainable and professional sector, SIPTU has proposed to the Minister that the Labour Employer Economic Forum establish a subgroup involving all stakeholders, including unions and employers, to discuss the issues that have resulted in a shortage of HCAs. This group should then formulate a series of agreed measures to address the problem including establishing adequate rates of pay throughout the sector.”

She added: “Ireland stands at a crossroads in relation to the care of our elderly and other vulnerable people. We can have a sector staffed by workers in precarious, low paid employment which undoubtedly impacts on the standard of services. Alternatively, we can work together to develop a strategic approach that sees us develop a professional HCA role in both residential services and in the community.

“This would create a sector which attracts qualified professionals eager to participate in a rewarding occupation providing the highest quality of services.”

SIPTU representatives are awaiting a response from the Minister concerning their proposals.

06/08/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Health unions slam HSE’s “empty handed” approach to healthcare worker COVID compensation

Health service unions, including SIPTU, have strongly criticised the HSE for a lack of “tangible recognition” for healthcare workers’ role in the fight against COVID.

Talks were held at the Workplace Relations Commission on Thursday 5th August, but HSE representatives had no offer to make.

This was despite comments by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last week in Limerick, where he said that he “definitely want[s] to see some form of recognition for the extraordinary work that they’ve all put in.”

Unions had sought some form of special recognition for healthcare staff, dating back to late 2020. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have previously indicated that they would support some recognition.

Health service employers in France, Northern Ireland, Denmark and elsewhere have offered staff bonuses or pay increases in recognition of their work and sacrifices over the past year.

The unions have referred the matter to the Labour Court.

Tony Fitzpatrick, chair of the ICTU Staff Panel of Health Unions said:

“This is yet another disappointment in the long search for fair recognition. Last week the Minister for Health raised expectations that some tangible recognition was on the way, but today he sent his officials to talks empty handed.

“Healthcare workers have spearheaded the fight against the pandemic. They have worked far beyond their normal responsibilities, with thousands catching the virus in the line of duty.

“Morale in the health service is extremely low. There needs to be some hope of genuine reward for frontline staff. Other governments have recognised their healthcare workforce’s contribution meaningfully – yet here we are forced to fight for it.

“The health unions have collectively decided to refer the matter to the Labour Court.”

05/08/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

SIPTU members in St Brigid’s vote overwhelmingly for strike action

SIPTU members working as care assistants and social care workers in St Brigid’s Mental Health Intellectual Disability services in Ballinasloe, county Galway, have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action up to and including strike action.

SIPTU Organiser, Yvonne McGrath, said: “The actions taken by HSE West in privatising our members’ work roles has shown a total lack of regard for their staff. This vote has demonstrated that our members will not be found wanting in responding to actions of the HSE.  It has made this move at a time when workers in intellectual disability services have been working above and beyond their duties in caring for service users who have been at their most vulnerable during the pandemic.”

She added: “The actions taken by HSE West are in breach of agreements, which apply not just to this facility but throughout the public service. Our members are simply calling for the HSE to abide by its agreements, engages in meaningful consultation and desist from the outsourcing of our members’ work.”

SIPTU member in St Brigid’s, Susan Delaney, said: “We are delighted with the high turnout of members to participate in this ballot together with the overwhelming result. The actions of management have been taken with total disregard for workers on the ground. Over years of working with service users, we have built up strong and supportive relationships with them. They know us, trust us and rely on us. The staff will continue to deliver excellent service, working to an extremely high standard, which management by their actions appears to have called into question.”

SIPTU NEC member and St Brigid’s staff, Seamus Dillon said: “Management at St Brigid’s seems to be answerable to no one. In my opinion, their actions seriously damage the credibility of the HSE. If they are allowed to totally disregard the public service agreement and don’t take any action to reverse their decision, they are in danger of bringing the HSE into disrepute.”

03/08/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Unions launch RESPECT = RECOGNITION health workers campaign

Ahead of the Workplace Relations Commission engagement on Thursday morning (5th August) SIPTU. Fórsa, and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have launched an awareness campaign highlighting the real life experience of health workers during the pandemic. The unions are seeking tangible recognition and compensation for frontline healthcare workers’ work during the pandemic.

Such schemes have been applied in Northern Ireland, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Austria, Hungary and elsewhere.

Jackie Brown, a Forsa member works in emergency department admin at one of Dublin’s main acute hospitals, and provided this thoughtful account for the campaign.

INMO member and ED Nurse, Moira Wynne said: “I risked my family to do my job. I love what I do, and I’m 100% committed, but the unknown and extraordinary circumstances that this virus brought to the ED where I work just melted staff.  We’ve gone above and beyond, and we’re exhausted. A national clap was so appreciated but it ends there. We are exhausted on the frontline and need to see tangible recognition.”

SIPTU member and household staff in Cork, Fiona Grant, said: “I worked 6 days a week for months as I felt we all had to play our part in helping fight the pandemic. The staff have given 110% for the last year and a half. All health staff should be recognised.”

INMO member and ED Nurse, Eric Lawsin, said: “The ongoing battle for Covid compensation leaves health care workers questioning why they’ve put themselves and their families at such risk over the past year and a half. We see other countries getting compensated and it makes morale on the frontline so low. Everything we do is for our patients, but it’s important we’re looked after too. An incentive to keep going particularly when we don’t know what’s ahead would mean everything to us.”

SIPTU member and catering assistant, Luke Bell, said: “Working through Covid has been very challenging. We have worked through continuous change. Emotionally and physically it has been very tough to adapt. The infection rates among my colleagues in the health service has been sky high and some of them are still suffering from long Covid-19. These sacrifices needs to be recognised by the Government.”

Siobhan Rimmer, Fórsa member, Hospital Ward Clerk in a major Dublin hospital said: “The last year has been very intense for all health workers. We are very tired. I got Covid myself in the first wave. It seems to be all take from the Government and they don’t want to give anything back. That has to change.”

SIPTU member and Radiographer in Dublin, Aine Kelly, said: “Health care workers were forced to use annual leave for childcare as there was no provision of childcare for healthcare workers. Our employers were as flexible as they could be but many parents who work in our health service now have a real deficit of annual leave as a result. We want recognition for our efforts.”

27/07/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

Industrial Action Update: Area Director of Nursing in Mental Health

SIPTU representatives have confirmed that members within the grade of Area Director of Nursing in Mental Health will undertake industrial action as and from 08:00hrs Wednesday, 28th July 2021.

SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, John McCamley said: “The industrial action is being taken given the failure of the HSE to implement the outcome of an independent grading review of the Area Director of Nursing position as committed to, by the employer. It has not been possible to resolve this dispute and notice has been served on the employer to confirm industrial action will take place as and from 08:00hrs on the 28th July. SIPTU representatives have confirmed we are available to prioritise engagement with the HSE and Department of Health to resolve the dispute between parties.”

It is requested you bring this update to the attention of all SIPTU members and request no action is taken by any member of our union which would be deemed to undermine the action being taken by our members employed as Area Directors of Nursing.

Any queries can be directed to the local Area Director of Nursing, SIPTU local representative or SIPTU Health Official.

List of industrial actions.

  • Area DONs will not answer phone calls except those from nursing staff who report to Area Directors of Nursing.
  • Area DONs will only reply to emails sent by nurses who report to Area Directors of Nursing
  • Area DONs will no longer provide any governance for CAMHS community services as this was part of the extended role for Area Directors of Nursing
  • Area DONs will no longer provide any governance for MHID CMHTs as this was part of the extended role for Area Directors of Nursing
  • Area DONs will no longer provide any governance for Liaison Teams as this was part of the extended role for Area Directors of Nursing
  • Area DONs will disengage from all Executive CHO structures
  • Area DONs will disengage from 7/7 Day Service implementation of services.
  • Area DONs will disengage from Workforce Planning/HR processes /Business case completion etc.
  • Area DONs will disengage from National and Local Service Development and Working groups e.g.: SRF/Connecting for Life
  • Area DONs will disengage from Health and Safety CHO governance meeting participation
  • Area DONs will withdraw from any group/meeting that is not solely nursing related
  • Area DONs will withdraw from all Area Management Team functions.
  • Area DONs will not approve the release of staff to participate in non-mandatory training.
  • Area DONs will not engage with Slaintecare
  • Area DONs will not participate with roll out of E-rostering
  • Area DONs will not participate with integrated risk management framework.
  • Area DONs will not engage with capital and any service developments
  • Area DONs will not participate in interview boards.
  • Area DONs will not furnish any reports to disciplines or manager grades outside of nursing.
  • Area DONs will not participate in MHC monthly walk arounds with ECD and GM
  • MHS Compliance and all audits conducted by nursing will be reported to the Area DON in line with reporting relationships.
  • No nominations by Area DON of nursing staff to any interview boards
  • Non approval of release of nursing staff to attend non-nursing meetings (CMHT-Clinical/Service Users meeting exempt)
  • IPC reports conducted by nursing will be reported to the Area DON who will manage these reports.
  • Audits conducted by nursing staff will be directed to the Area Director of Nursing Office for processing, including National Clinical Programmes, ligature audits
  • Area DONs will not process any third party organisation invoices.
  • LIG Meetings – not attending
  • JRG Meetings – not attending
  • Area DON’s will no longer be responding to formal complaints received from Senior Management/HSE Structures or engaging in the process
  • Area DON’s will no longer be responding to Freedom of Information requests or the review of material with a view to redaction prior to the release of responses to FOI requests
  • Area DON’s will no longer be responding to or participating in the development of any corporate responses to Parliamentary questions
  • Area DON’s will not engage with external employment agency organisations and will only manage line management staff resources that are direct HSE employees.
  • Area DONs will not take any governance responsibility for CAMHS / MHID community structures and will re-deploy staff as required from community CAMHS, MHID teams and other service areas to support core nursing services and ensure safe working practices.
  • Area DONs will only release nursing staff trainers in line with HR Circular 043/2020

 

 

 

23/07/2021 Comments are off SIPTU Health
Share:

SIPTU members in St Brigid’s to ballot for strike action

SIPTU members working as assistants and care workers in St Brigid’s Mental Health Intellectual Disability services in Ballinasloe, county Galway, are to ballot for strike action next week.

SIPTU Organiser, Liz Cloherty, said: “SIPTU representatives have been engaged with HSE Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Services on the reconfiguration to a social model of care of the mental health and intellectual disability services in Ballinasloe. Following actions by HSE senior management to outsource the work of our members, contrary to public service agreements, coupled with the fact that management has dismissed previous Labour Court recommendations, our members have been left with no option but to ballot for strike action.”

SIPTU member in St Brigid’s, Siobhan Turley, said: “We feel that management has not listened to us. It seems our views have absolutely nothing to do with patient care. We have looked after these people for years, on the frontline, and have the experience to continue providing the best care and service possible. It’s very disheartening to think that management can overlook us and outsource our essential work without any consultation.”

Find out more


Latest News

  • New HSE recruitment polic...

    The ICTU group of healthcare unions representing staff in th

    Read More
  • Recruitment of radiation ...

    SIPTU representatives have said that the recruitment and ret

    Read More

SIPTU Health Plus