IMPACT is threatening to escalate its action against the Eastern Regional Health Authority from today. Future funding for health programmes in the ERHA area and services to the public could be affected as a result.
Refusal to answer phones or accept direction from senior ERHA management are among the actions under consideration and sanctions could be introduced as early as this morning.
IMPACT has already announced that its 1,500 clerical and administrative staff in the ERHA and its three area health boards will not be co-operating with the preparation of next year's service plans. These are needed to ensure adequate funding for health programmes in the Government Estimates.
Yesterday's one-day strike at Naas General Hospital resulted in the cancellation of one medical outpatients' clinic and one surgical outpatients' clinic.
St Colmcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown has been targeted for today's one-day strike. A spokesman said patients would experience some disruption and delays but no clinics had been cancelled.
A half-day stoppage by clerical and administrative staff is planned for the James Connolly Memorial Hospital tomorrow morning. A spokeswoman said rheumatology, psychiatric and fractures clinics were being cancelled as a result.
IMPACT's assistant general secretary, Mr Sean McHugh, said yesterday his union would accept an invitation to talks at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow.
The dispute is over a decision by the ERHA to appoint 20 people to new positions at the top of its salary scales.