Outsourcing key functions to private companies is the biggest threat facing workers and patients within the public health service, the SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, told the Union’s Health Division Biennial Delegate Conference in Wexford today (Thursday, 10th April).
Addressing more than 200 delegates, Figgis said: “Outsourcing is a strategy that devalues workers and undermines patient care. When services are outsourced, the focus shifts from health outcomes to profit margins. Private contractors cut costs wherever they can, usually at the worker’s expense or the quality of the service experienced by the patient or service user.
“Workers in outsourced roles often face significantly reduced pay rates and the loss of the public service pension scheme or sick leave benefits. Job security becomes a distant dream, replaced by precarious contracts and constant uncertainty.
“Outsourced roles often come with fewer protections, less training and create a two-tier workforce. Let’s be clear, when workers are undervalued and overworked, they, their patients or service users suffer. You cannot provide high-quality care when the workforce is demoralised and stretched to its limits.”
He added: “Outsourcing isn’t inevitable. It’s a political choice and it’s a choice we must fight every time it surfaces. The best way to fight is by organising. Organising is at the heart of our Union. It is how we transform individual frustrations into collective strength. It’s how we take on seemingly insurmountable challenges and win.”
Figgis also listed a number of victories secured by the SIPTU Health Division over the last five years including significant pay rises for many grades of health service workers including 34% for Health Care Assistants in mental health services and 25% for Emergency Medical Technicians. He also highlighted the work the SIPTU Health Division has done to ensure that existing links to public sector pay was maintained for members in unionised private health care facilities.
The SIPTU Health Division Biennial Delegate Conference is taking place in Whites Hotel in Wexford and brings together more than 200 delegates and guests from across the health service. Those addressing today’s event include SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King and HSE CEO Bernard Gloster.