Cleaning staff at Portiuncula Hospital in Co Galway carried out industrial action today following a controversial dispute over the hiring of private contractors.
Cleaning staff at the hospital, who are all members of the SIPTU trade union, say hospital management is in clear breach of established agreements and is showing a total disregard for their objections following the introduction of contract cleaners into the hospital instead of fulfilling promises to hire additional staff.
24 members of staff are expected to take part in today’s two-hour work stoppage in protest at the decision to extend a contract cleaning arrangement to the hospital’s emergency department.
The Saolta Hospital Group, which oversees the management of Portiuncula, says every effort will be made to minimise disruption to patient services.