Marathon talks between healthcare workers unions and the HSE ended without agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission in the early hours of this morning.
It was hoped the talks would end a work-to-rule due to begin on Monday in a row over staffing levels, with both parties to return to the WRC on Saturday.
These talks began at 10.30am yesterday morning, with unions emerging at around 2.10am this morning.
However, there was no agreement to suspend a planned work-to-rule - which is due to be observed by up to 80,000 health care workers from Monday in a row over staffing levels.
The HSE is understood to have issued proposals which included union involvement in future recruitment, before the unions issued counterproposals.
Photo: INMO Twitter / Their members at Lady of Lourdes Hospital protest Oct 10th 2024.The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha wouldn't draw on the specifics.
“They put processes around recruitment and retention that are necessary, and they don't increase, or they certainly don't interfere with the pay and numbers strategy, but it is certainly asking that they prioritise certain areas that they've already committed to,” she said.
The HSE said it needed time to consider the proposals, and the two sides will reconvene at the WRC on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the industrial action is due to go ahead for now - and that includes a one-day stoppage at Our Lady Of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda next Thursday.
A busy hospital. Image: Alamy
