Nurses Meet To Discuss Escalation Of Industrial Action

Nursing unions are meeting today to discuss a possible escalation in industrial action as part of their campaign for improved pay and working conditions. Nursing unions are meeting today to discuss a possible escalation in industrial action as part of their campaign for improved pay and working conditions.

Members of the Irish Nurses Organisation and Psychiatric Nurses Association began a work-to-rule yesterday in pursuit of a 10% pay rise and a 35-hour working week.

Today’s talks between the two unions have raised fears that an escalation of the action, possibly including all-out stoppages, could be mounted in a matter of days rather than weeks.

The HSE says there were significant difficulties in A&E units yesterday and in the area of bed management as a result of the nurses’ refusal to carry out clerical, administrative and IT duties.

It also says some hospitals may have to defer out-patient elective operations and is urging members of the public to stay away from A&E departments unless absolutely necessary.