SIPTU members to protest HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy

Protest to take place outside Cavan General

SIPTU members will protest HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy in Cavan, Sligo and Tuam tomorrow, Wednesday, October 16.

A picket will be staged outside Cavan General from 12.30pm where SIPTU and colleague health unions will continue the campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy this week.

It follows several protests in the last two weeks. A key issue of concern for SIPTU members is staffing levels, with the HSE’s employment census data demonstrating that many key, front-line roles have not benefited from record levels of investment in the health service.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Our members are calling on the HSE to withdraw a policy that is blocking the proper staffing of essential services in our health system. This policy is an overreaction to concerns about spending, and it is causing real harm.”

Mr Ginley added: “We want to engage with HSE management about staffing needs when they arise, not face a situation where managers are restricted by a rigid policy, even when there is a clear, demonstrable need for more staff.”

SIPTU Organiser, Luke Bell, who organises members in Cavan General Hospital, meanwhile stated that local union members are "deeply frustrated" at the lack of recruitment in certain areas of the hospital and are "concerned about the potential impact" on services.

"It’s clear to them that the HSE’s policy on recruitment is not fit for purpose and places an effective embargo on the recruitment of staff.”

Mr Bell said: “We believe that this policy needs to be reversed, so we can have meaningful, local engagement with the employer to resolve local recruitment issues where they are arising.”