Unions ballot for industrial action against A&E closure in Midwest
national |
miscellaneous |
news report 
Friday April 03, 2009 10:21
by CRPHS, Limerick - Campaign for a Real Public Health Service
limerickhealth at gmail dot com
0868064801
For United Action to Stop the Cuts
The Campaign for a Real Public Health Service (CRPHS) welcomes the decision by the health unions in the Mid-west to pull out of discussions with the HSE and ballot for industrial action about the government's insane and dangerous plans to downgrade Ennis and Nenagh hospitals.
The HSE's plans will mean tens of thousands more patients will be crammed into the already overcrowded regional hospital in Limerick. It can- not, and will not cope. There were 21 patients on trolley's there yesterday - these plans will see that number sore till, like happened in Drogheda, the A&E has to close its doors to new patients.
It is very positive to see the unions take a stand on this. They should now come out clearly and condemn the the HSE's centralisation plans themselves, as well as the lack of time for con- sultation which they have highlighted. A clear statement should be sent that no union member or health worker will cooperate with this, or any other, attack on our public health service. The unions have the power to stop these plans dead, if they so wish.
Our campaign would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to the unions, for joint campaign work against these cuts. Already thousands have come onto the streets protests in the Mid west, including on organised by the CRPHS last October. By uniting health workers, patients, community groups and the general public in a campaign to defend our A&Es, we can force the government to back down.
This efffects all workers in the Mid-west, not just health workers. Thats why all unions should come out and state their opposition to the cuts, organise protests, rallies and industrial action if neccesary to stop the plans, and show the our opposition to the attacks on the health service, and health staff in general.
Comments (3 of 3)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3Health Campaigners Call for Yes Vote in Union Strike Ballot
The Campaign for a Real Public Health Service welcomes the ballot of health workers in the mid west for industrial action on the issues connected with the HSE's plans to centralise A&E services to Limerick's regional hospital. The campaigners are calling for a yes vote.
Limerick spokesperson, Cian Prendiville, said "The health unions should organise a day of protest, including industrial action by their members. This could be coordinated with the trades councils, which represents all the unions of the region, health campaigns and community groups. A day of protest in opposition to the closure of Ennis & Nenagh A&Es, the overcrowding at Limerick's regional and the attacks on the health service more generally could get huge support throughout the mid west. Already thousands have protested throughout the area. We extend our invitation to the health unions for joint work on this, to show unity of staff, patients and campaigners in defence of our public health service."
New leaflet, calling for a united, public day of protest against the health cuts to cooincide with industrial action