Fórsa members in St Patrick’s hospital have voted for industrial action ballot in response to their employer’s decision to outsource the catering and household services at the mental health unit.

The union says management also refused to engage on the issue, despite staff saying they were willing to enter talks with the hospital.

Fórsa represents the management grades in the catering and household departments. Its industrial relations officer David Field says staff are disgusted at the way they’re being treated.

“Our members have given loyal and dedicated service to the clients, and always go the extra mile to ensure that they receive the best of service from both departments. We are very concerned that senior management has taken a unilateral decision to outsource both the catering and household functions.

“We have tried all options open to us get management to engage, and staff now feel they’ve been left with no option but to ballot for industrial action.” he said.

Siptu members in the organisation have also backed industrial action and a joint protest is planned for this Friday.

The proposed outsourcing is set to take place this month.