INO warns of imminent work stoppages

Nurses will begin work stoppages "any day now", according to the general secretary of the Irish Nurses Organisation, Liam Doran.

Mr Doran said this afternoon that the nationwide work-to rule and short work stoppages would start without further notice. He called for nurses' claims to be addressed immediately to avert further action.

"Our three weeks notice of industrial action has expired. We are willing, ready and able to come to the table and negotiate, but there has been no discussion or negotiation," he told RTÉ radio.

Nurses are seeking a 10 per cent pay rise, a further allowance for nurses working in Dublin, a reduction in the standard working week from 39 to 35 hours and the elimination of an anomaly under which qualified nurses and midwives are paid less than unqualified childcare workers who report to them.

Over 400 nurses protested outside Cork University Hospital at lunchtime in the first of a series of planned protests aimed at improving pay and work conditions.

Further protests will take place on Friday at University College Galway and Limerick regional hospital and on Friday March 9th at the Mater hospital, Dublin.