Health workers back strike action [Video]

Health workers’ unions will ask their executives to endorse a plan for industrial action in the coming weeks, writes Helen Bruce.

Membership of both the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the Fórsa Health and Welfare Division voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strikes, in protest at the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy.

They claim the policy is a “de facto recruitment ban” that has led to the suppression of jobs and thousands of vacancies being left unfilled.

The two unions represent over 72,000 healthcare workers.

Other trade unions including Connect Trade Union, Unite and the Medical Laboratory Scientist Association have also voted for industrial action.

INMO president Caroline Gourley said: “The INMO executive council… will meet early next week to endorse a strategy regarding industrial action devised by the officers of both the INMO and Fórsa trade unions.”

She added: “The new Government must confirm it will enact the …