In the aftermath of the huge march in support of the nurses on Saturday [video] the government suddenly found a pay deal it could put on the table, leading to the INMO suspending the strike until that deal is discussed and voted on.
According to RTE the suggested deal, which some nurses have expressed strong reservations about, would see a "new grade being created including the Enhanced Nurse Practice Grade which is a pay scale that is higher than the existing scale, by an average €2,000 to €2,500 – around 7% – and will range from €35,806 to €45,841 per annum. Nurses would be eligible to apply for the enhanced grade after four years’ service."
In the aftermath of the huge march in support of the nurses on Saturday [video] the government suddenly found a pay deal it could put on the table, leading to the INMO suspending the strike until that deal is discussed and voted on.
According to RTE the suggested deal, which some nurses have expressed strong reservations about, would see a "new grade being created including the Enhanced Nurse Practice Grade which is a pay scale that is higher than the existing scale, by an average €2,000 to €2,500 – around 7% – and will range from €35,806 to €45,841 per annum. Nurses would be eligible to apply for the enhanced grade after four years’ service."
However the INMO tweeted last night warning members that "The only reliable source of information on these proposals is the INMO, so please pay attention to official communications".
Members unhappy with deal as reported in the media responded;
"We have got to stick to our guns. Pay parity and safe staffing. Say no to paltry allowances. Let’s make this count for future generations of nurses."
"Absolutely no more ALLOWANCES. There must be significant increases to CORE BASIC PAY. Talk of a ‘new nursing contract’-sounds like adding additional tasks on. This was meant to be unconditional! A stunt to stop the strike momentum? "
"From what I’ve read so far and I know there’s still negotiations to be done it’s a big no from me. This is way off what we were striking for and will only affect a certain amount of people. No No No"
"Having scrutinised this document I am appalled by every bit of it, we gain nothing, looking at 2010 payscales, it is insulting to say the very least and we have been as per usual let down dreadfully, it’s an insult "
Nurses strike to defend health system & demand pay parity begins – 19-01-2019
This morning saw pickets being placed on hospitals all over the country as nurses and midwives strike against low pay. Pay now so low relative to rent and house prices that its impossible for many to find decent accommodation in the major cities on what they take home.
In that sense the strike has a direct importance to all workers. The Nurses strike is also essential to countering the right wing ideology that low corporate tax rates are more essential than good public services & housing. That ideology has ruled us for decades with all parties in power imposing it and is unchallenged in the media.
RTE Morning Ireland yesterday went so far as to refer to the strike as "the damage scheduled for Wednesday" – a refusal to recognise that the chronic short staffing levels are down to successive governments low wages for workers allow low taxes for multinationals policy.
The INMO posted yesterday "Nurses and midwives are going on strike for only the second time in 100 years. They are standing up for patients and fair pay.
If you’re near a picket from 8am-4pm tomorrow, drop by and show your support.
Full list of pickets here https://www.inmo.ie/Picket_Locations
**Political support very welcome, but we’re asking people not to bring party political banners, flags or publications.**"
You can sign the INMO support petition at sign.standwithus.ie/sign