It seems like potential industrial action amongst members in the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has been averted after an agreement was reached on how to address the current staffing issues at the nation’s hospitals.
The agreement comes after union members voted in favour of accepting proposals to that will address the staffing/recruitment/ retention crisis in nursing and midwifery.
Reports suggest INMO representatives voted by 82% in favour of proposals recommended by the Workplace Relations Commission. It is understood that HSE management have also agreed to proposals which include: increasing the nursing and midwifery workforce in 2017 by an additional 1,208 permanent posts; along with maternity leave cover being provided in accordance with the funded workforce plan.
Management will also offer all graduating nurses and midwives full-time contracts, along with a career break scheme. They will also introduce a pilot pre-retirement initiative; and a 130 additional undergraduate places this year.
The agreement which now all but averts strike action was welcomed by the Minister for Health Simon Harris who said “I am delighted that the INMO nurses and midwives have voted to accept the recent proposals agreed at the WRC.
“The measures that were proposed by management and agreed with the INMO and SIPTU Nursing will significantly improve the staffing of nursing and midwifery posts in the public health service and offer serving and new nurses and midwives enhanced opportunities to advance their careers.”