SIPTU Nursing representatives have today (Monday 25th March) presented their case in the Labour Court for a fair contract for all nurses and midwives. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “SIPTU representatives put forward a robust defence of our members’ rights and highlighted what we see as an act of opportunism by Government to erode hard fought for terms and conditions. It is clear to our members that the Government is attempting to force through the same major changes to work practices that unions fought against during the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) negotiations. SIPTU representatives campaigned against those changes then and we stand against them now.” He added: “This concerted effort by Government to remove our members’ right to a decent and fair contract of employment will never benefit the public. It simply only serves to undermine our member's ability to deliver the best care possible to their patients. We also made the case to the Labour Court that, if SIPTU members decide not to sign the new contract, they would be entitled to remain on their existing contract with all the protections, pay restoration and pay progression for the PSSA provides.” SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “SIPTU representatives confirmed to the Labour Court that proposals seeking to have nurses or midwives move to another location up to 45kms away on a daily or week by week basis have no place in the health service. Equally, proposals for nurses and midwives to work shifts of as little as four hours in duration stand no chance of acceptance by our members.”
Labour Court hears calls for a fair new nursing and midwifery contract
