Tuesday, 11 th April 2017
Staff to stage lunchtime protest tomorrow – Weds. April 12 th , James St. Dublin
Psychiatric nurses (members of the PNA) are to hold a ballot for industrial action following a unilateral decision, without staff consultation, by management of St. Patrick's Hospital to close the staff's Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Scheme with effect from June 2 nd this year.
The closure will impact on 274 active members and 224 deferred members of the DB scheme.
PNA General Secretary, Peter Hughes said nurses were incensed at the decision which was made without consultation or negotiation with staff and reneges on an agreement reached with the Hospital, the Pensions Board and trustees, to protect the core elements of the D.B. Scheme.
‘This agreement would have provided for a sustainable level of benefits for members in the future but has now been unilaterally abandoned by management. The pension fund is fully funded and viable but in a blatant money saving exercise the St Patrick's management have decided to simply shut the scheme down. ‘
‘Staff have not even been given the courtesy of being informed on the extent of loss of pension resulting from the closure of the scheme. The PNA and the other unions involved will not stand by and see staff pension entitlements and their futures being so casually undermined in this way'.
Following a meeting last week of the Inter Union Group it was unanimously agreed to ballot respective members for industrial action, up to and including strike action. The ballot will commence on Wednesday 19 th April.
A lunchtime protest will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 12 th . outside the hospital at Steevens' Lane, James St. Dublin from 11.45 a.m. to 1.45 p.m.
Media Contact : Derek Cunningham 0862430535
