A payment issue that sparked a staff protest at Westmeath Residential and Nursing Care facility for seniors has been resolved, the Bermuda Industrial Union said today.

Arnold Smith, the chief union organiser at the BIU, said the matter, first reported by TNN, arose over payment for working on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“The matter has been resolved — I was on the ground and we had meetings to address the issues,” Mr Smith said.

He explained that 15 to 20 unionised workers at the Pembroke home had downed tools after management were said to have refused to pay double-time for working on holidays.

Mr Smith said staff who worked the day shift were the most affected. Workers rotate through three shifts at the 24-hour facility — from 7am to 3pm, 3pm to 11pm and from 11pm to 7am.

He added that other issues raised by staff were being ironed out “step by step”.

Maintenance staff, certified nursing assistants, cooking, serving and laundry staff were said to be among workers represented by the union.

Matters raised were said to include safety. Mr Smith confirmed that some employees had raised concerns over accommodation for clients suffering from dementia.

Mr Smith said the union had highlighted staff concerns with the home over the past two years but that the protest was triggered by “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

The Royal Gazette attempted to obtain a comment from home administrators. Staff member on site said none were available to speak.