SIPTU has called on nurses and midwives to stand firm in opposing the demand by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) for a 50% increase in its retention fee. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “Our members should not feel pressurised by the renewal notice issued in recent days by NMBI. They have until 30th May 2015 to make a payment under the 2014 regulations issued by NMBI. The employer, in this case the HSE, cannot discipline any member, or require proof of payment, until after that date”.NMBI is seeking to increase the retention fee for members for 2015, from €100 to €150. All nurses and midwives must be registered with NMBI in order to practice their profession in Ireland.Kevin Figgis added: “No state organisation is entitled to increase its income by 50% from a single source. NMBI is seeking to do just that at the expense of hard pressed nurses and midwives who have endured staffing and pay cuts. Their campaign of opposition can and will work”.Nurses and midwives will hold a public protest, to coincide with the next meeting of the NMBI board, which is scheduled for Tuesday, 18th November. This protest will begin at midday outside NMBI Headquarters, 18/20 Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.SIPTU nurses and midwives are also being asked to send in individual letters of complaint to NMBI outlining their reasons for opposing the rise in the retention fee.
SIPTU calls on nurses and midwives to stand firm against NMBI fee demand
