Strike averted as SIPTU and health chiefs agree to talks

THE strike threat to geriatric and psychiatric patients in Dublin hospitals was temporarily lifted last night as SIPTU and health managers agreed to talks at the Labour Court on Monday.

The intervention came as ward attendants at six Dublin hospitals prepared to take to the picket lines tomorrow and Friday in an escalation of last week’s one-day strike.

However, SIPTU warned that the planned two-day strike would be reinstated if the talks did not yield a back-dated pay increase for 200 ward attendants who carry out basic medical duties.