Nurses and midwives to vote on strike action in pay dispute

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) will ballot public sector members for industrial action, including possible strike action, following what it says is the Government’s failure to begin meaningful negotiations on a new public sector pay agreement.

The union’s Executive Council approved the decision yesterday, July 14.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said nurses and midwives were seeking “realistic pay increases” that reflect the rising cost of living and the expenses many face simply travelling to work.

She said staff across the health service were frustrated by what she described as the failure to implement existing agreements and the lack of progress on local bargaining claims.

“We are balloting all nurses and midwives working in the public sector to ensure we secure realistic pay increases for the work they do,” she said.

Ms Ní Sheaghdha also pointed to increasing pressure on frontline staff, saying nurses and midwives were dealing with overcrowded workplaces, recruitment restrictions and unfilled maternity leave vacancies while trying to maintain safe standards of patient care.

INMO President Caroline Gourley said the cost of living crisis continued to place significant financial pressure on healthcare workers, particularly those who rely on their own cars to travel to work.

She said many early career nurses and midwives were leaving Ireland for countries offering a better quality of life.

“There isn’t a workplace in the country where the cost of living crisis isn’t a major issue for our members,” she said.

The INMO has not yet announced when the ballot will open or close.

If members vote in favour, the union could proceed with industrial action up to and including strike action.