Relief for Limerick patients as nursing unions suspend industrial action

Limerick nurses and midwives will not take to picket lines this Tuesday following intense talks at the Labour Court.

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) as well as members of the Psyhciatric Nurses Association (PNA) had been due to withdraw their labour for three days this week – begining at 8am on Tuesday.

However, shortly before 6.30pm this Monday, it was confirmed by both unions that their separate actions were being suspended to allow them to consider a recommendation from the Labour Court.

Members' update: The INMO's elected Executive Council have just received the recommendation by the Labour Court. They have suspended the upcoming strikes at the request of the Court to consider the wide-ranging recommendations. (1/3)

— Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) February 11, 2019

Minister for Health Simon Harris, who will brief the Cabinet on Tuesday, welcomed the suspension saying he is looking forward to the health service resuming normal work as quickly as possible.

Good news tonight that nursing unions have taken decision to suspend strike action. Thanks to Labour Court for its intervention & recommendation. @Paschald & I will discuss with government tomorrow & nursing unions will have their own processes to consider it. Important progress

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) February 11, 2019

While some procedures were cancelled at hospitals in Limerick in anticpation of this week’s strike action going agead, nursing staff will now attend work as rostered.

This will be a huge relief for thousands of patients in Limerick and the Mid-West who will not now face the dreaded prospect of further cancellations and delays. 

However, all healthcare facilities will be forced to play catch up after three days of strikes over the past three weeks.