SIPTU has called the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform to step in and resolve the dispute.
SIPTU has said that up to 10,000 hospital workers could strike for a further five days this summer after an initial 24-hour strike scheduled for later this month.
Support staff and chefs in 38 hospitals and health care facilities have served notice of a 24 hour work stoppage on Thursday, 20 June, in a dispute concerning the failure to implement pay increases arising from an agreed job evaluation scheme.
They warned that five other dates are on the cards on June 25 and 26, and July 2, 3 and 4.
The initial action, will involve up to 10,000 SIPTU members providing portering, household and catering services and employed as Health Care Assistants, Maternity Care Assistants, Laboratory Aides, Chefs and Surgical Instrument Technicians.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Public Sector, John King, said: “It is time for the Minister for Health, Simon Harris and the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, to step in and resolve this dispute. Failure to do this will undoubtedly bring pressures on the delivery of health services.
“Our members accepted the provisions of all the public service agreements since 2010. The Government must now honour its obligations contained within these agreements. It is time to deliver for these workers. It is unacceptable that workers should be forced to go into an official dispute in order to get what they are owed.”
He added: “SIPTU representatives remain available for talks but such an engagement must be about the practical implementation of these outstanding awards for our members.”
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