INO threatens industrial action over pay

The Irish Nurses Organisation has threatened industrial action unless its members receive pay parity with other health professionals.

Clare Spillane, president of the organisation, said nurses are paid an average 11% less than midwives and other health professionals.

She added that the INO is ready to strike if the benchmarking system fails to address these inequalities.

“Staff nurses are paid less than other health professionals and we’re the only health professionals that work a 39-hour week; all the others work 35 hours,” Ms Spillane said.

“We’re very definite that we want parity with other health professionals and if we don’t get it, I’m afraid we could be in for industrial action.”