INMO equality probe into Croke Park II

The country’s largest nursing union has asked the former chief executive of the Equality Tribunal to examine whether the Croke Park II proposals are anti-family and negative towards women.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) wants Niall Crowley to carry out a full “equality audit” of the public service cost-savings measures produced by the Labour Relations Commission.

The INMO, a member of the 24/7 frontline alliance of unions, has been one of the most vocal opponents of the proposed deal.

The union’s general secretary Liam Doran told its 40,000 members in a circular: “As you are aware the INMO, together with a number of other unions/ organisations, who are calling for a no vote, are firmly of the view that these proposals are very anti-family and are negative towards a predominantly female workforce.

“Mr Crowley has agreed to undertake this audit, in the context of promoting best practice and equality in the workplace, and we expect the audit to be completed within the next week to 10 days.”

He said the audit would be circulated to members at that point.

Meanwhile, Mr Doran said the nursing union, in conjunction with other anti-agreement unions in the Frontline Alliance, is to seek discussions with the Teachers’ Union of Ireland “with regard to working collectively on protecting our members’ interests, pay, and conditions”.