Nurses threaten strike action

Members of the two largest nurses unions have threatened strike action unless their demands for a pay rise and a 35-hour working week are met.

Almost 1,400 midwives and nurses today backed an action plan that includes work stoppages if changes are not made to their working conditions.

The move could see strike action phased in next year, initially with lunchtime protests, then work to rule and eventually with the withdrawal of labour.

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) will ballot their 40,000 members in January. The result will be announced on February 1.

The unions stressed that in the event of industrial action, essential services would be maintained.

Activists today attended the mass national pay rally at the Helix Theatre at Dublin City University.

It follows the Labour Court’s recent ruling which dismissed eight claims, including a pay increase of over 10%, a 35-hour week and a 3% allowance for the cost of working in Dublin.

INO General Secretary Liam Doran said the Labour Court recommendations were disappointing in not answering the claims in a satisfactory manner.

“The plan of action, which was accepted by the rally today, has a number of phases to it – information, balloting, a political phase, and an action phase,” he said.

“The ballot, if accepted, will provide for phase industrial action starting with a lunch-hour protest, moving on to work to rule, and then as a last resort, and only if necessary, withdrawal of labour.

“Today’s rally demonstrated the commitment of our members to advance these claims and that nurses and midwives are united to win.

“We remain available for discussions with health employers to address our legitimate claims including a 35-hour working week already enjoyed by all other health professionals.”

PNA general secretary Des Kavanagh added: “We are not going away.

“Our members are determined to ensure they are treated as all other health professionals and as managers have treated themselves.

“Our collective strength should not be ignored by the Government.”

Throughout the campaign there will be organised lobbying of all TDs and Senators at constituency clinics.

Meetings will also be held with opposition parties to establish their position and response to the situation.