“Government has reneged on HSE support staff promises”
Matt Carthy MEP expresses solidarity with Striking Workers
Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy has said the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform must honour existing agreements made between the HSE support staff and the Department of health.
Carthy was speaking as he expressed solidarity with up to 10,000 HSE support staff from 38 hospitals who were taking part in Strike action across the state on Wednesday following a deadlock in negotiations between SIPTU and Health Servive Management over pay and conditions.
The Midlands Northwest MEP said:
“I want to extend my full solidarity to those engaged in this Strike. These staff do not want to be on picket lines but are merely seeking pay justice. Promises were made and they haven’t been kept. The government must act now to prevent future strike action.
“The comments of Leo Varadkar in threatening staff on Strike with penalties is unhelpful and irresponsible. The Taoiseach once again exposes himself as out of touch.
“Two years ago the Department of Health & the HSE agreed a job evaluation scheme with these workers to avert strike action. This agreement was facilitated by the oversight body of the Lansdowne Road public service agreement.
“The scheme highlighted that workers such as Hospital porters, healthcare assistants, technicians and chefs are being underpaid for the roles they carry out. The fractional pay increases and reduction of worker entitlements that have been offered are insulting to the workers concerned and shows bad faith on the Government’s behalf. Minister Donohoe must act responsibly and initiate emergency talks now so all parties can come to a reasonable resolution and further disruption to our health services can be avoided.”
ENDS
