Members of SIPTU working in 30 hospitals will commence industrial action later this month over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.
The action will initially take the form of a work-to-rule from 30 September, with members withdrawing from voluntary additional labour such as non-rostered overtime.
Yesterday, the Fórsa trade union announced that its members working in the public health sector will also begin a work-to-rule from 30 September.
Union members across the public sector are voting for industrial action over what they describe as the Government’s failure to make a meaningful offer on public sector pay.
The previous public sector pay deal expired on 30 June, and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.
SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser Kevin Figgis said the Government must come to the negotiating table and begin pay negotiations.
“Our members have suffered from the effects of the cost-of-living crisis the same as other workers,” Mr Figgis said.
“They deserve to have pay negotiated on their behalf by union representatives,” he added.
The Department of Public Expenditure said it is disappointing that unions have not taken the opportunity to engage in recent weeks.
“It is important that both sides return to the table to work towards a public service pay agreement,” a spokesperson said.
“Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side,” they added.