29.04.2024

The Independent Workers Union congratulates all of its members in the hospitals who have successfully pressured SIPTU into taking further action on the issue of the Job Evaluation Scheme and banding. While it remains confusing as to why SIPTU are now taking action against a process they signed their members up to, it is a positive step in the right direction to see the banding issue being raised in meetings with the HSE.

We note that the pressure for this has been coming from the workers themselves and that IWU members particularly in CUH and LUH have played an essential role in constantly asking questions, raising the matter through elected representatives and approaching the media.

The IWU however is concerned that there seems to be no rush on the part of SIPTU or the HSE to give these workers the band they deserve. The workers in housekeeping have been deserving of the relevant bands (2 and 3) since the JES was announced and there should be no delay through the WRC to see that happen.

The IWU stands behind our members and all other workers fighting for the correction of their banding.

The IWU calls on SIPTU members and shop stewards to put maximum pressure on their officials through their own internal structures.

We note that on 25.04.24 a letter was issued that SIPTU would be referring the matter to the conciliation services. We would like to warn all SIPTU members that this will increase the amount of time needed to see the matter satisfactorily resolved and urge them to push their respective officials to take more concrete action than just referring the matter to a third party.

We call upon all staff to continue to spread the petition below calling for the right of appeal to be implemented for any hospital worker dissatisfied with the outcome of their band:

Give the hospital workers the right of appeal | MyUplift

INDEPENDENT WORKERS UNION NATIONAL HOUSEKEEPERS COMMITTEE