SIX HUNDRED hospital cooks in acute hospitals throughout the State are to go on strike from May 19th, writes Padraig Yeates. The cooks, who are members of SIPTU, are in dispute with the Health Employer services Association over the implementation of a pay award under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.
As a result of the strike most hospital canteens will not be providing food for patients or staff. However, SIPTU has indicated it is prepared to discuss emergency cover during the dispute for patients with special needs. About 400 of the cooks involved work in greater Dublin.