Ward attendants due to continue pay strike

Ward attendants in six psychiatric hospitals in the eastern region are due to mount further strike action later this week in a dispute over pay.

250 staff, all members of SIPTU, are planning to down tools on Thursday and Friday in an escalation of last Thursday’s strike.

A further 700 non-nursing staff will also be balloted on whether or not to support the ward attendants.

SIPTU’s Paul Bell said the attendants were forced into action by the intransigence of hospital management.

"We have advised our members, having spoken to the employers some time ago, that we cannot get a commitment that the matter in question will be dealt with," he said.

"The issue can only be resolved through dialogue and unfortunately the employers are refusing to speak to us."

The hospitals affected by the action are St Mary’s in the Phoenix Park, St Ita’s in Portrane, Bruchaomhin in Dublin city, St Brendan’s in Grangegorman, St Colmcille’s in Loughlinstown and Clonskeagh.