Planned industrial action by psychiatric nurses across Galway and Roscommon Mental Health Services has been deferred until October 15 following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.
Members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association had been due to begin industrial action today, Tuesday, September 29, following a ballot in which more than 98% voted in favour of action up to and including strike action.
However, the PNA agreed to temporarily defer the action following an initial conciliation hearing with HSE management at the WRC.
A further hearing has now been scheduled for Thursday, October 8 in Ballinasloe, when the parties will attempt to resolve outstanding areas of dispute.
The dispute involves nursing staff across Galway, Roscommon, Ballinasloe, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), St Brigid’s and Mental Health Intellectual Disability services.
The union says the dispute follows more than two years of difficulties relating to industrial relations engagement and contested practices.
PNA Industrial Relations Officer Niall O’Sullivan said the union’s mandate for industrial action remained active despite the decision to defer action.
He said the most substantial outstanding issues included clinical governance, service structures and patient safety.
The union has warned that industrial action could proceed on October 15 if agreement is not reached.
