Cork University Hospital Housekeeping Staff Demand Equal Pay Amid Wage Disparities
Cork University Hospital (CUH) housekeeping staff are concerned about pay proposals that favor some over others. This issue arose after a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) meeting on November 12, regarding HSE Band 3 pay scales for housekeeping staff.
On November 8, staff received an email from the union Siptu. The email stated that hospital management could not regrade all housekeeping staff because not everyone performs tasks that warrant higher pay. Management recognizes that ‘auxiliary’ staff handle significant catering duties but does not see ‘floor’ staff as having those same responsibilities. Therefore, management proposed upgrading only ‘auxiliary’ staff to Band 3 pay, retroactive to January 15, 2021.
Management declined to upgrade ‘floor’ staff, claiming their main duties do not align with Band 3 responsibilities. In response, ‘floor’ staff staged a three-hour sit-in. They indicated they would strike if both ‘auxiliary’ and ‘floor’ staff do not receive equal pay.
Housekeeping staff expressed feelings of disappointment and degradation. They highlighted that both ‘auxiliary’ and ‘floor’ staff work together effectively. ‘Floor’ staff manage various duties, such as distributing food to patients, cleaning, and assisting patients during busy times. One staff member noted the severe staff shortage, with over 30 positions unfilled, leading to workers doing multiple jobs.
What are the key differences in responsibilities between auxiliary and floor housekeeping staff at Cork University Hospital?
Interview with John O’Reilly, Housekeeping Staff Specialist at Cork University Hospital
Q: Can you provide an overview of the concerns regarding the recent pay proposals for housekeeping staff at Cork University Hospital?
John O’Reilly: Certainly. The staff are deeply concerned about the pay proposals following the recent discussions with hospital management. The decision to only upgrade ‘auxiliary’ staff to Band 3 pay while excluding ‘floor’ staff has created significant tension. It feels unjust because both groups contribute equally to the hospital’s operations.
Q: What are the main roles of ‘floor’ and ’auxiliary’ staff, and how do they differ?
John O’Reilly: ‘Auxiliary’ staff primarily handle catering duties—serving meals and managing food distribution. In contrast, ‘floor’ staff are responsible for a wider range of tasks, including cleaning, assisting patients, and managing different operational duties during peak times. Often, they find themselves covering for each other, especially with severe staff shortages impacting our ability to function effectively.
Q: How has the recent pay proposal affected morale among housekeeping staff?
John O’Reilly: The morale is quite low. There’s a sense of disappointment and even degradation among ‘floor’ staff, as many feel their hard work and essential contributions are being undervalued. We work hand-in-hand, and it feels disheartening that management does not recognize the importance of our roles uniformly.
Q: What actions have the ‘floor’ staff taken in response to the pay proposal?
John O’Reilly: In immediate response to the management’s proposal, the ‘floor’ staff staged a three-hour sit-in to express their dissatisfaction. They are determined to take further action, including a potential strike if the management does not reconsider and ensure equitable pay for all housekeeping staff, regardless of their specific duties.
Q: How does the staff shortage impact the work environment?
John O’Reilly: The shortage is critical—there are currently over 30 unfilled positions. This situation forces the existing staff to take on multiple roles, which is not only overwhelming but can also lead to burnout. It compromises the quality of service we provide to patients and affects overall staff well-being.
Q: What are the next steps for Siptu and the housekeeping staff moving forward?
John O’Reilly: Siptu plans to hold a vote soon regarding the proposed pay increase solely for ‘auxiliary’ staff. It’s imperative that we reach a resolution that is fair and recognizes the contributions of all housekeeping staff. Our goal is to ensure every member feels valued and adequately compensated for their hard work.
Q: what message would you like to convey to hospital management?
John O’Reilly: We urge hospital management to reconsider the current pay proposals and recognize the equal importance of all housekeeping roles. We stand united in our commitment to providing the best possible care to patients, and we hope management will acknowledge that and take the necessary steps to foster a fair working environment.
Siptu plans to hold a vote soon on whether to accept the proposed pay increase for ‘auxiliary’ staff only. A Siptu spokesperson confirmed that efforts to resolve the issue at the WRC meeting did not yield a settlement.
CUH stated that some housekeeping staff protested but returned to work after discussions with their union representative.