Strike threat puts health reform plan in jeopardy

THREATENED strike action by top health workers could scupper the most extensive health reform in the history of the State, throwing the health service into chaos.

Before the Government had even published its health service reform bill yesterday, the 15,000 senior managers and administrative staff responsible for implementing the reforms delivered a well-timed body blow to the plan by voting overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

The workers, all IMPACT members, voted by a majority of almost 90% to endorse all-out industrial action over job locations, job security and work practice changes.