Management at St James’s Hospital have appealed to the electricians' union the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union to defer a one-day picket planned for next Monday.
In a statement issued after talks at the Labour Relations Commission broke down this afternoon, the hospital said it was available to pursue discussions directly with the TEEU or through the LRC with a view to resolving the issues.
The hospital has also corrected earlier information given to the media by sources concerning rates of pay which apply when electricians are called out after hours.
It has confirmed that electricians are paid a minimum four hours pay for resetting fire alarms out of normal working hours.
On Sundays, a call out would trigger a minimum of eight hours pay.
In addition, they are entitled to a minimum of four hours compensatory rest in accordance with the European Working Time Directive.
The dispute centres on attempts by management to transfer responsibility for resetting fire alarms from electricians to employees of a private security firm without agreement.
The hospital says the move would save money, and that such arrangements are common in other workplaces.
However, the TEEU has voiced concerns about health and safety, as well as potential long-term implications for job security if further outsourcing of tasks takes place.
The TEEU said that no significant progress was made during three hours of talks at the Labour Relations Commission.
The union is now planning a day-long stoppage by electricians at the hospital this Monday unless there is a change in the management position before then.
Electricians have already held two four-hour stoppages in recent days, though emergency cover was provided.
Members will also be meeting over the next few days to consider an escalation of the dispute.
The LRC said its facilities remain available for talks if required.
