Junior doctors seek 25%-40% pay rise

THOUSANDS of junior doctors are seeking a 25%-40% pay rise on their basic salary in a case likely to be heard by the Labour court expected before the end of the year.

Trade publication Irish Medical News has reported that after contract negotiations between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the HSE broke down on Friday, the doctors’ union confirmed it will take the case to arbitration. While other issues such as working times have also been discussed, it is understood the increased salary has become a major stumbling block in the discussions.

There are almost 4,800 junior doctors in Ireland who are paid salaries of between €35,534 for an intern to €58,374 for a house officer, and €69,000-€89,000 for senior registrars. The new junior doctors’ contract must be agreed before the end of the year in order to bring new working times into force.