Strike action has begun at Ireland’s largest care home dedicated to people living with dementia following the collapse of last-minute talks aimed at resolving a long-running pay dispute.

SIPTU members employed as Household and Domestic Staff at St Joseph’s Centre in Shankill, Co. Dublin, walked out on the job on Wednesday after negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission failed to come up with an agreement.

The dispute focuses on the union’s claim that staff should be regraded and paid as Multi-Task Attendants to reflect the additional duties they now carry out.

SIPTU said workers have been seeking recognition for the expanded nature of their roles for several years, but management has yet to offer a proposal that could be put to members.

Health Division Organiser Michelle Waller said the union had made every effort to resolve the dispute through negotiations.

‘We’ve been engaging in the dispute with management within St Joseph’s for the last number of years regarding the domestic housekeeping grades, and we are seeking these members to be regraded as Multi-Task Attendants due to the increase of their daily duties,’ she said.

She added that despite continuous engagement with management, no resolution had been reached, leaving workers with no option but to begin strike action.

Last month, SIPTU members voted in favour of industrial action over what the union says is management’s failure to recognise its claim for enhanced pay.

Michelle Waller described the strike as ‘an absolute last resort’, adding that staff ‘do not take this action lightly’ given the nature of their work caring for vulnerable residents.

Further strike days are planned for the rest of July unless the dispute is resolved.

SIPTU said it remains open for further talks and hopes a settlement can still be reached.