Catering staff at Mount Carmel who have been on strke for the past week over plans by the private hospital to outsource its catering operations, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a deal.
Settlement terms were agreed between Siptu and management at the hospital yesterday after talks under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission.
Over 60 members of the union had been on strike since last Wednesday over the transfer of their jobs to Aramark/Campbell Catering Ltd
Under the new agreement the affected employees have secured guarantees on jobs, pay and accomodation.
The settlement offers guaranteed employment with Aramark/Campbell Catering under the same terms and conditions as they are currently employed under. In addition, the workers' pensions schemes will improve and they are to be offered a goodwill payment.
A severance package for up to ten employees that did not want to transfer has also been agreed while two workers who reside at Mount Carmel will be allowed to continue to live there.
Siptu organiser Paul Bell, welcoming the outcome of the ballot, said: "This agreement sets a new benchmark for workers whose jobs are being outsourced. The formula not only protects their terms and conditions but their
security of employment."
