Healthcare Assistant Home Support Strike Risk: SIPTU Says Kildare Not Immune If Dispute Escalates

Thursday, 11 December 2025 12:54

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Speaking to Kfm News, Siptu Organiser Graham Macken said long-standing issues over pay, rostering and working conditions have not been addressed by the HSE, despite multiple national agreements.

SIPTU home support healthcare assistants employed by the HSE have begun balloting for industrial action, warning that although the current dispute is focused on the Northwest, Mid-West and South, Kildare could be affected in the new year if no resolution is found.

The action, if not resolved, could lead to strikes.

Speaking to Kfm News, Siptu Organiser Graham Macken said long-standing issues over pay, rostering and working conditions have not been addressed by the HSE, despite multiple national agreements.

SIPTU reports underpayments dating back to 2018, breaches of agreed rostering rules, and staff burnout linked to long runs of shifts and excessive split duties.

“Our members have reported suffering from burnout due to working up to 12 days in a row, being rostered for excessive split shifts and not receiving appropriate breaks. We have also been engaging with the HSE regarding the continued use of contractors, which we believe is inconsistent with their commitments under public service agreements and previous WRC agreements," Macken said.

It also says the continued use of contractors goes against public service and WRC agreements.

SIPTU is urging the HSE to resolve the dispute and avert industrial action.

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