CATERING STAFF at Mount Carmel private hospital in Dublin went out on strike yesterday over plans by the hospital to outsource its catering services.
Siptu, which represents most of the 60 staff involved, said the strike had begun as members had been told they would no longer work for Mount Carmel from this morning.
The hospital said it had decided to outsource catering services to Aramark/Campbell Catering Ltd. Under EU regulations all existing catering staff at the hospital would transfer to the new catering company on the same terms and conditions of employment they have had up to now.
In addition, it said the new employers would offer a more beneficial pension scheme to transferring employees.
However, Siptu official Paul Bell said members were angry that they were being forced into a transfer of undertaking situation without agreement.
He said the strike would continue for as long as necessary but indicated that Siptu had made it clear to the hospital it was prepared to discuss the matter under the Labour Relations Commission.
Asked how the hospital was catering for patients during the strike, Mr Bell said: “In order to break our members’ strike they have brought in agency staff.”
There is a fear that once staff transfer to their new employers their terms and conditions could be changed.
The hospital described the strike as “unofficial industrial action”. It said the action would in no way affect its care and services to its patients as the hospital management had made alternative arrangements.
“The management continues to remain open for discussions with the staff and their representatives,” it added.