The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) representing more than 40,000 nurses, is to ballot members on industrial action to protest against possible further cuts in pay.
The INO said the outcome of the nationwide ballot would be considered by its executive council on November 3rd, just before the start of a planned campaign by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions against cuts in pay in services which will commence with a day of action on November 6th.
The INO said the purpose of the ballot was to seek a mandate for industrial action in the event of there being any attempts, by the Government or public service employers, to further reduce the pay and conditions of employment of nurses and midwives including any attempt to cut premium pay and allowances.
“This decision was taken in the context of the failure of the Government to give guarantees that there would be no further cuts in the pay (including premium pay and allowances) and other conditions of employment, of public servants including nurses and midwives.
"In its discussions the INO executive council noted the repeated references, by Government ministers, that further cuts in the pay, of public servants, was under review and discussion," the union said.
The INO said nurses and midwives, together with other staff in the public service had already suffered a very significant cut in their pay as a result of the 7.5 per cent pension levy in addition to increased levies which were applied to all PAYE workers.
It said that staff nurses on €45,000 per annum (15 years qualified) had already seen their reduced by €372 per month
Speaking after the meeting, INO general secretary Liam Doran said:“This ballot is being commenced against the background of the Government repeatedly stating that further cuts in the pay and conditions of public services are being actively considered.
"This fact, when taken with the McCarthy report - which overtly attacks frontline staff - and the Government’s approach to the banks, where anything they require is immediately conceded, has left our executive council with no choice but to prepare for major industrial action to defend our members’ very livelihoods."
The INO also urged its members to participate in the Ictu protest rallies scheduled for November 6th.