Staff at Oberstown youth detention centre set to strike
Staff at Oberstown Detention Centre in Dublin have served notice of industrial action.
A series of four-hour stoppages will commence from next Tuesday.
Residential care workers and night supervising staff at the youth detention centre in Lusk backed the industrial action over safety concerns.
Siptu organiser, Ray Stanley, said: "Our members, along with their colleagues in Impact, have on numerous occasions over the last 15 months raised concerns regarding health and safety issues for staff and the young people that they care for.
"These include the fact that our members are at a daily risk of serious injury and assault.
"Due to management intransigence, the workers have been left with no option but to take industrial action in an attempt to have their concerns adequately addressed.
"Management must immediately engage with staff and their representatives with the aim of agreeing changes at the facility that will ensure that a safe environment is created for staff and the young residents.
"The work stoppages between 8am and 12pm will begin on Tuesday, 31st May, and continue each Tuesday throughout the month of June.
"It is deeply regrettable that staff have had to undertake this action.
"During the industrial action the staff will continue to provide the best care possible.
"They are also committed to ensuring that the action will not interfere with the state examinations being held at the centre during June."
