Nursing home staff protest over conditions

MORE than 30 staff at one of the south east’s largest nursing homes have taken to the picket line in protest at pay and conditions.

No talks are planned and attitudes are hardening between the kitchen, housekeeping, cleaning and care attendants on the picket line and the nursing and clerical staff who are still working and caring for the 50 residents in the home.

Director of Nursing at Springvalley Nursing Home in Enniscorthy in Wexford, Marjorie Molloy, said she respects the staff’s right to protest and work for the best pay deal possible. But she said she is disappointed that the 36 walked off the job and that their union, SIPTU, refused to provide a skeleton staff while the dispute continues..