Health strike deferred to allow for focused talks at WRC on Monday

SIPTU representatives have tonight (Friday, 21st June) confirmed that a 24 hour strike planned for next Tuesday (25th June) has been deferred pending the outcome of talks on Monday (24th June) at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) aimed at resolving the dispute in the health service. SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “Following protracted discussions today some movement has been made on the claims put forward by SIPTU representatives on the full implementation of the job evaluation scheme. At the request of the WRC, SIPTU representatives have agreed to defer strike action scheduled for Tuesday to allow for focused discussions which will hopefully make the full implementation of a job evaluation scheme a reality for our members.” He added: “If negotiations are not concluded successfully on Monday, SIPTU members are prepared to take strike action on Wednesday (26th June) in 38 selected hospitals across the country in pursuit of their legitimate claim for pay justice.”