Medical scientists threaten further strikes over lack of progress on improved pay and conditions

Medical scientists are threatening a resumption of industrial action over a lack of progress in their campaign for improved pay and conditions.

Almost 2,000 members of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) struck for two days last year in pursuit of pay parity with biochemists in the public health service, leading to the cancellation of tens of thousands of hospital appointments and procedures.

The union suspended industrial action after a recommendation by the Labour Court for a return to talks with employers at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

This resulted in the commissioning of an independent report by industrial relations troubleshooter Conal Devine, which largely supported the MLSA’s claim for pay parity.

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Mr Devine’s report found there was no evidence of “material distinction” between the roles of medical scientist and biochemist and recommended the medical scientists’ salary scale be adjusted upwards for basic grades.

The issue was referred back to the WRC where, the MLSA claims, the departments of Health and Public Expenditure & Reform (Dper) and the HSE are refusing to implement the report.

Earlier this month, the matter was referred back to the Labour Court as no agreement could be reached on implementation.

“We are now past the first anniversary of the start of the strike action, the first in our over 60-year history. Members are disillusioned with this process, they are angry, they are increasingly calling for a resumption of industrial action,” said MLSA chairman Kev O’Boyle.

Medical scientists carry out identical work to that of biochemists but are paid on average 8 per cent less, the union says.

A spokesman for Dper said the matter is part of a process under the auspices of the WRC. “It would be inappropriate to make any comment pending the conclusion of that process.”

Public laboratories are currently carrying vacancies of up to 20 per cent, with an average of 13 per cent of posts unfilled nationally, Mr O’Boyle pointed out. “We can’t fill positions as our graduates are going elsewhere when faced with current pay and conditions.”

A hearing of the Labour Court on the issue is scheduled for June 6th.