Strike action by local health support staff must be avoided – Smith

A local TD has called on the Ministers for Health and Finance to liaise with SIPTU representatives to avoid a 24-hour strike planned by 10,000 health support staff which will have knock on consequences for health services in Cavan-Monaghan.

“It is paramount that this strike action is avoided," said Deputy Brendan Smith. "The Ministers must work with SIPTU representatives to address the issues. We are rapidly approaching the strike day on June 20th and the government maintain their hands-off approach.

“If health support staff go through with their strike action, health services in the Border Region will be under immense pressure to deliver for their patients.

The Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan explained that the “nub of the issue" is the Government’s commitment to carry out a job evaluation scheme for health care assistants, maternity care assistants, laboratory aides, and surgical instrument technicians as well as chefs, porters and household and catering employees.

“During negotiations on the last Public Service Stability Agreement the Government agreed to carry out job evaluations to ascertain where and how job roles had changed and if remuneration should be increased to match any changes," continued Deputy Smith. “The Government must adhere to their side of the bargain or risk jeopardising further negotiations with trade union representatives.

“Health support staff are vitally important to our health services. Without them the system would be thrown into disarray. We should support them, and the government should come to talks.”