A planned one-day stoppage by eight IMPACT members at the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (ASI), Orchard day service in Blackrock has been deferred. The members had unanimously backed industrial action after care staff were placed on reduced hours for a protracted period.

IMPACT official Philip Mullen explained that the respite service, which operated in conjunction with the Orchard day service, ceased in November 2016 after HIQA had identified unsafe practices. The ASI was unable to provide the appropriate staff required.

“Management signalled their intention to enter into an arrangement with another organisation to provide respite in the ASI premises. Staff were maintained on full pay until the end of April 2017, after which seven of the care staff were placed on reduced hours, working in the day service. This was on the understanding that a new provider would be identified.”

Philip said the union had a number of meetings with management, at which they identified delays in ASI getting HSE approval for an arrangement with the new provider. Staff continued to work on reduced hours, and Philip described management’s communication on the issue as “poor.”

“We’d been informed that HSE approval would be finalised and the new provider announced by July, then September 2017. This announcement has now been further delayed, with a possible reopening date of January 2018.

“Our members have maintained the Orchard day service on a reduced hours basis. This has led to a loss of income, lack of certainty in relation to ongoing employment and a difficult working environment. Management also refused our proposal to make a joint referral to conciliation through the WRC,” he said.

A one-day stoppage, scheduled for today (Tuesday 7th November) has been temporarily deferred as the union was invited to a meeting with management to confirm return to contracted hours under transfer of undertaking or voluntary redundancy option for staff.