Mayo hospital support staff stage protest over tea-room closure

Support staff at Mayo University Hospital have being staging a protest today over the closure of their tearoom and other facilities.

They withdrew all but emergency services at the facility in their stand against hospital management,.

Over 100 staff took part in the action as the dispute unexpectedly escalated.

They hit out at the unfair manner in which their facilities were locked up to make way for alternative services.

They also pointed out that new arrangements being proposed for them are unacceptable.

The staff have been informed that disciplinary action is being taken against them for their taking their action.

The Work Relations Commission has declined to intervene in a case which now threats to cause chaos at the Castlebar centre.