Strike threat from medical scientists who conduct hospital Covid-19 tests

Industrial relations officer Bronagh O’Leary said there were not enough trained medical scientists in Ireland to run such a high number of Covid-19 tests.

Medical scientists who carry out Covid-19 tests in hospitals are preparing to reject a new Government pay deal, a move which could lead to strike action.

In October, members unanimously voted in favour of strikes – this was headed off by a last-minute Christmas pay deal offer from the Government. But the union has now decided this still does not address the crisis.