Meal delays at Waterford hospital as staff engage in 'work to rule'

Catering, portering and laundry staff have taken direct-to-rule industrial action at University Hospital Waterford (UHW).

The action was taken on May 27, 2024, after the HSE failed to include laundry staff in their regrading scheme.

Laundry staff are historically aligned with the catering and portering staff.

Staff members have also raised an issue over the incremental credits given to upgraded workers. It has been argued by the Unite trade union that the credits are leaving staff worse off financially.

"The seemingly arbitrary exclusion of portering and catering workers from incremental credits means that long-serving workers in these grades are required to work up their increments," a spokesperson for Unite said.

In mid-June, a letter from UHW General Manager, Ben O'Sullivan, was shared with in-patients, apologising for delays in mealtimes. 

The letter stated: "I want to ensure all patients and your families that Management within University Hospital Waterford have put contingencies in place to attempt to minimise the impact that this action is having on our patients.

"Despite these contingencies, we are aware that the work to rule is having a direct impact, particularly in relation to the timely delivery of meals."

According to Unite Trade Union, the letter highlighted how important the staff are to the hospital. Unite also pointed out how much labour these staff are expected to do outside of their contracted hours and duties.

Unite's Regional Officer for Waterford Eoin Drummey said: "It is important to clarify that these delays are not the direct result of the actions of our dedicated staff but rather the lack of adequate contingency measures put in place by management. 

"The industrial action and work-to-rule has highlighted, if not exposed, that our essential healthcare workers have been performing significantly beyond their contractual obligations, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to patient care."

Mr Drummey further stated that the HSE's actions were indicative of their disrespect towards the essential workers.

"The HSE’s approach, including their intentions that pay increases due under the current Public Sector Agreement would be withheld, is deeply troubling and undermines the dignity and rights of our members. This threat further exacerbates the situation, showing a lack of respect for the essential contributions of our support staff.

"Despite the available dispute mechanisms, the HSE has shown an unwillingness to engage meaningfully with Unite, which highlights the necessity for industrial action. Our healthcare system is already in turmoil, and forcing dedicated staff into industrial action only worsens the crisis."

Mr Drummey added: "We greatly appreciate the continued solidarity and messages of support from our wider Unite the Union members employed across University Hospital Waterford. Our support staff deserve fairness, respect, and recognition for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare system."