Healthcare unions have suspended work-to-rule action planned for tomorrow. It follows 22 hours of intense negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Forsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association collectively have taken the decision not to go ahead with the work-to-rule action that was due to begin on Monday. The unions engaged with the HSE over proposals to recruit and retain staff into the public health service for hours across the weekend. Nurses and midwives will now be balloted on proposals to develop and improve recruitment processes and workforce planning. In response to the news, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill thanked all sides for reaching an agreement which 'ensures patient safety and continued delivery of essential services'. She went on to say she's committed to further grow and modernise the workforce, to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, while ensuring the HSE continue to operate within its budget.

Healthcare unions suspend tomorrow's 'work-to-rule' action

Healthcare unions in Ireland have suspended a planned 'work-to-rule' action for tomorrow, following intense negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission. The unions, including the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Forsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, engaged with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to recruit and retain staff. Nurses and midwives will now be balloted on proposals to develop and improve recruitment processes and workforce planning. The Health Minister thanked all sides for reaching an agreement that ensures patient safety and the continued delivery of essential services.