Medical scientists’ protest called off at last minute
Yesterday morning’s planned strike by medical scientists was called off at the 11th hour following an invitation to attend the Labour Court today for “exploratory talks”.
The day of action was expected to bring about significant disruption and service delays in hospitals around the country.
Medical scientists began their industrial action last Wednesday when they took to the picket lines in frustration over unfilled posts, pay parity, career pathway, and increasing demands. They held the second in a series of strikes on Tuesday as part of a disagreement over pay and career progression issues.
The union representing medical scientists, the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA), said it had made every effort to avoid disruption to patients and fellow healthcare workers, but has been left with no alternative.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, medical scientist from Ballyvourney, Mairead Moynihan, thanked the public for its amazing support and understanding.
She said: “This action was a last resort for us, taken with great reluctance as we are very aware just how essential our work is and the impact its withdrawal would have on the service. We are relieved to have been invited for exploratory talks in the Labour Court and hope that our 20 year old issues of equal pay for equal work and career progression can be resolved, encouraging new entrants into our profession.”
Last Wednesday’s industrial action followed many rounds of unsuccessful talks with the HSE, Department of Health, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Public Service Agreement Group.
Further action had been planned for yesterday (Wednesday) morning but was suspended after staff accepted the Labour Court’s invitation to discuss the dispute.
On Tuesday evening, the Labour Court intervened in the dispute and invited both the MLSA and HSE to engage in a process which will commence today, Thursday.
As a result, the MLSA has issued notice to all of its 2,100 members to suspend further industrial action planned and to resume work as normal across all hospital laboratories.
MLSA General Secretary Terry Casey said the union will enter the Labour Court process in good faith and with commitment to resolving the severe recruitment and retention issues in the laboratory sector.
In response to the suspension of industrial action by medical scientists, the HSE issued a statement saying: “Hospitals will endeavour to resume appointments and procedures as quickly as possible. Inevitably, there will still be some cancellation of inpatient and day surgery and outpatient appointments across hospitals. Hospitals will contact patients directly to advise them on any updates or changes to arrangements. The HSE would like to acknowledge the ongoing cooperation of our staff and patients at this time.”