Talks end in deadlock as 3-day stoppage looms
TALKS aimed at preventing this week’s three-day nurses strike ended in deadlock last night.
The HSE warned of a threat to patient safety with industrial action looming tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday. After almost nine hours of discussions at the Labour Court, Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha insisted her union’s resolve will stay intact until there is something on offer in the dispute.
More discussions are planned for today as pressure mounts to solve the crisis, with nurses seeking a pay rise of 12%.
Meanwhile, a former HSE boss has called for “more honest engagement” from the INMO and the Government.
Tony O’brien told the Sunday Business Post it appears ministers involved in the crisis have no experience in dealing with longterm public sector industrial action.
He said: “A protracted strike can be avoided, but much more honest engagement is required from both sides, together with a willingness to use creativity and imagination.”