Staff strike at Longford nursing home

More than 40 members of staff have gone on strike at a nursing home in Longford.

Their action follows what SIPTU claims are unjust attempts by the new owners to drive down wages at Our Lady's Manor Nursing Home in Edgeworthstown.

The moves have included the withdrawal of early morning and night shift allowances, as well as a pension and sick-pay scheme.

SIPTU Assistant Branch Organiser Niall Philips said the owners had refused to attend a Labour Relations Commission conciliation conference.

“This would be, I would imagine, an ongoing dispute as the employer has failed or refused to engage up to now,” Mr Philips said.

“They've refused to engage with the state machinery, the Labour Relations Commission, so there's nothing to suggest that they would engage with us at any time soon.