Midwives vote for industrial action

MIDWIVES at a large private hospital have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in a row over the introduction of a unified maternity service in Cork.

A ballot for action of 90 Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) midwives working at the city’s Bon Secours Hospital was endorsed by 96% of its members.

They will stage a lunchtime protest outside the hospital on Tuesday, October 24, to highlight their grievances. The nurses plan to introduce work-to-rule conditions on the day, including an embargo on overtime.

They also plan to withdraw from committees involved in the introduction of the unified maternity service in the city.

The dispute stems from a decision taken last November to discontinue obstetric services at the Bon Secours from March 1 next.

Obstetric services at the Bon Secours, St Finbarr’s Hospital and the Erinville Hospital are due to be transferred to Cork University Hospital’s (CUH) newe70 million maternity hospital at the same time.

The Bon Secours Organisation insisted the closure of its obstetrics service was covered under transfer of undertakings legislation. Its interpretation of the legislation was that the midwives should either stay at the hospital, retrain and work in other areas or seek employment in CUH’s new maternity unit.

The position is supported by advice from the Attorney General, a spokesperson for the Bon Secours said.

However, the INO said the entire issue should be addressed under the Redundancy Payments Act which would make a redundancy package available.

Michael Dineen, an INO industrial relations officer, said the result of the ballot reflected the “anger, frustration and disappointment” of INO members at the manner in which they are being treated.

“It is appalling that any employer would seek to treat their workforce in such a cavalier fashion,” he said.

“The Bon Secours are clearly adopting a position in which they see our members as a disposable commodity now they have no further use for their skills.

“Obviously they believe they have no ethical or moral responsibility to deal with the real fears/concerns of a workforce, some of whom have given up to 37 years loyal and dedicated service to the organisation.”

A spokesperson for the Bon Secours expressed deep disappointed with the result. She said services to patients would be unaffected.

She restated the organisation’s position that redundancies are not arising as part of the transfer.

“Staff concerned can either exercise their right to transfer to CUH’s maternity hospital or remain in an alternative nursing position in the Bon Secours Hospital,” she said. “The Bon Secours Hospital remains available to engage with the INO to resolve this matter.”