Gardaí were called to a picket line at a nursing home in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, earlier today following reports of disturbances between striking staff and others who are passing the picket line.
A number of the care and cleaning staff at the Springvally Nursing Home have been on strike since 28 August in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Gardaí are investigating reports that some protestors were involved in verbal exchanges as they tried to block the entrance to prevent those carrying out their duties from entering the premises.
The newly recruited staff had to be escorted in past striking workers and SIPTU officials by Enniscorthy Gardaí, who maintained a discreet presence at the official picket throughout the afternoon.
With the strike now in its fourth week, there appears to be little hope of an imminent resolution despite efforts by a number of public representatives to intervene.
SIPTU branch secretary, Michael Wall, said management at the nursing home was effectively terminating people's employment by advertising their jobs, a claim denied by management at the nursing home.
The union is to seek a meeting with the South Eastern Health Board.
A director of Springvalley Nursing Home said the existing non-SIPTU staff and part-time staff are working extra hours to cover for their colleagues. He also suggested that the strike had proven the facility was previously overstaffed.
The nursing home has 50 patients who range in age from 32 to 97 years.
