Labour Court recommends six-month security provider as Portiuncula talks proceed

The Labour Court recommended that HSE Saolta University Healthcare Group consult with 28 Porters represented by the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union on a plan to retain security services in-house at Portiuncula University Hospital. The recommendation was signed on 9 March 2023. The Court said consultation had not followed the parties’ public service agreements, which favour direct labour where possible. It also noted a serious security challenge affecting staff and patients. It recommended a professional third-party provider for six months while the parties develop a service plan, and regular union consultation if management decides to outsource.