SIPTU members in the Mater University Hospital vote for industrial action

SIPTU members working in the Mater University Hospital, Dublin7, voted overwhelmingly on Monday (16th April) in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action, due to the imminent threat of outsourcing of services in the hospital. 

The ballot took place following a management proposal to outsource the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).

SIPTU Organiser, John McCamley, said: “The proposal to outsource this department could have far-reaching consequences for the entire public health service. It will be resisted by SIPTU members. Our members believe that the proposal flies in the face of the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) by not using direct labour to the greatest possible extent to deliver public services. 

“SIPTU representatives had no choice but to ballot all support grade staff and health care assistant members in order to defend the hard-won commitments in the PSSA and to support their colleagues working in the CSSD.”