The dispute between electricians, fitters and plumbers and hospital management over the changing of light bulbs and other issues appears close to resolution.
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) yesterday said that it would recommend acceptance of proposals put forward by the National Implementation Body (NIB), the main trouble-shooting mechanism in social partnership, to end what it described as a lockout of 38 members at Cork University Hospital, Waterford Regional Hospital and other centres.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said yesterday that it fully accepted the NIB proposals.
The craft workers involved are to vote on the proposals next Tuesday. In the meantime, they will resume normal work from today.
The NIB has proposed that an independent expert be appointed to chair discussions on a protocol to be adopted at Cork University Hospital over the changing of light bulbs. It said there should be binding adjudication, if necessary.
The NIB also proposed that the union and management should negotiate a national agreement on on-call/call-out rates with the assistance of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and jointly refer any outstanding issues to the Labour Court for determination.
It said complaints over the use by the HSE of outside contractors who did not comply with national employment standards should be investigated and that any contractor found not in compliance must not have their contract renewed.
TEEU general secretary designate Eamon Devoy said the NIB proposals "form a good basis for resolving issues".
