Dublin hospitals strike cancelled

A planned strike, which was due to take place at seven hospitals in Dublin from Wednesday next, has been adverted.

A planned strike, which was due to take place at seven hospitals in Dublin from Wednesday next, has been adverted.

The 48-hour strike was due to take place at Beaumont, St James's, the Mater, Loughlinstown, Blanchardstown, Tallaght and St Vincent's.

Some 4,5000 lower-paid staff in the hospitals - including porters, catering personnel, security, healthcare assistants and supervisors - had voted in favour of the industrial action following a dispute over  pay and on the possible outsourcing of jobs.

According to Siptu health sector organiser Paul Bell the strike was cancelled after an agreement was reached with management at the hospitals.