Ireland

End in sight for HSE 'light bulb' row

The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) has welcomed proposals from the National Implementation Body (NIB) to end…

Piaras Murphy
Wed Nov 14 2007 - 00:00

The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) has welcomed proposals from the National Implementation Body (NIB) to end a dispute between electricians and hospitals in Munster.

The executive of the TEEU has unanimously agreed to recommend acceptance of the proposals to its members. The craft workers will meet in Dungarvan next Tuesday to vote on the proposals but, in the mean time, will resume normal work from starting time tomorrow morning.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) had claimed the dispute began because electricians refused to allow staff other than electricians to change light bulbs at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

About 35 TEEU members - mainly electricians but also plumbers and fitters - from across the HSE South region were suspended as the dispute spread to other southern hospitals.

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TEEU general secretary designate Eamon Devoy welcomed the NIB proposals and said: "They form a good basis for resolving issues".

"At last all the issues affecting our members in HSE South are being addressed. The range on the NIB proposals nails the lie that this dispute was simply about changing light bulbs, as portrayed by some", Mr Devoy concluded.

The NIB is proposing:

  • That the TEEU and HSE negotiate a national agreement on on-call/call-out rates with the assistance of the ICTU and jointly refer any outstanding issues to the Labour Court for determination.
  • That complaints over the use of non-compliant outside contractors by the HSE be investigated and any contractor not in compliance must not have their contract renewed.
  • That a number of promotional positions be created in HSE-South for craftworkers.
  • That an independent expert chair discussions on the protocol to be adopted at Cork University Hospital over the changing of light bulbs and issue binding adjudication if necessary.
  • That the non-payment of pay increases due under national agreements to the TEEU members be addressed. If there is failure to agree the date for retrospection then the matter can be referred to the Labour Court for a determination.