Staff engaged in the ongoing work-to-rule in University Hospital Waterford will not receive any pay rises due to them.
Furthermore, their core pay may also be impacted, following further examination of their contractual obligations by the HSE.
That's according to a letter received by UNITE Trade Union, who represent more than 100 staff in UHW in the catering, portering, and laundry departments.
The letter states that it is the view of the HSE that 'a clear breach of the agreement terms' has been made through the industrial action.
The letter, which was seen by WLR News, continues, saying:
'The benefits of the Public Sector Agreement, therefore do not apply where a union fails to comply with the terms of the agreement.'
The terms of the Agreement in question
4.2.4: No form of industrial action shall be taken by any party in furtherance of claims or proposals within of beyond this process, where the parties are acting in accordance with the provisions of this agreement.
5.6.1: The parties agree that no cost increasing claims for improvements in pay terms and conditions of employment will be intitiated or implemented for the duration of the Agreement other than in accordance with the Local Bargaining Clause.
5.5.2: Where such a union or association fails to adhere to the provisions of the Agreement, the benefits of the Agreement will not apply to the relevant staff cohort.
All pay withheld
The letter, signed by Paul Byrne, National Employee Relations with the HSE concludes by saying: 'University Hospital Waterford will be withholding all pay rises due under the current Public Service Agreement to those currently engaged in the action. In addition, the manner of the work to rule and the effects of patient care, cognisant of contractual obligations, will be examined locally and this may have implications for core pay.'
The HSE have stated they have no issue meeting with Unite nationally to set out the position, should it be required.
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