Unions fear ‘race to bottom’ in nursing home dispute

TRADE unions fear “a race to the bottom” in the nursing home sector if attempts by the owners of elderly care institutions to push down staff wages and working conditions succeed.

An industrial dispute at Our Lady’s Manor Nursing Home, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, is entering its 14th week as SIPTU attempts to counter the homeowner’s move to unilaterally push through wage cuts and reverse working conditions.

Nearly 2,000 people took part in a protest march and meeting in Edgeworthstown at the weekend, held to support SIPTU members on strike at the nursing home.