Union  set to ballot members for industrial action

January 2nd: Thousands of health workers providing essential services have been left out in the cold by the HSE according to Unite, which today announced that it is considering balloting its members on industrial action for those working in grades that are being left behind in the application of the HSE National Evaluation process.  The move reflects the frustration felt by  health support workers at the refusal by the HSE and the Department of Health to fully implement the Lansdowne Road Agreement and Haddington Road Agreement in respect of the Evaluation process and issues such as incremental credit and double time payment.

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Willie Quigley said:

“Support workers are often the invisible heroes of our overstretched health service, and it seems that are also invisible to the HSE and Department of Health given their persistent refusal to fully extend the provisions of national public service agreements to support staff.

“Our members have effectively been left out in the cold while concessions have been granted to other grades.  Over the coming weeks, Unite will be consulting with our reps preparatory to balloting for industrial action”. Willie Quigley said.