Naas Hospital support staff striking today with more strikes being announced for next week

Hundreds of staff at Naas Hospital are on strike today in a bid to get extra pay.

SIPTU representative for midlands staff, John Hubbard, said: "We don't want to be here, but we have no choice."

Healthcare assistants, cleaners, lab workers, porters, multi-task attendants, catering staff including chefs,  are some of the duties covered by the 200 staff striking at Naas today. 

Mr Hubbard said:"Some of these  staff on strike could be replacing oxygen, others could be getting rid of hazardous waste, cleaning medical equipment for theatre procedures. These are support staff."

The average rate of pay for these staff ranges between €31,000 to €34,000.

Mr Hubbard said: "They are saying that their jobs are worth about €3,000 a year more."

He is frustrated that Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue is only offering €1.2million, with strikes taking place in hospitals throughout the country, since 8am this morning until 8am tomorrow morning.

Strikes are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.