Medical Scientists suspend industrial action

Medical Scientists have suspended their industrial action for today, after accepting an invitation to attend the Labour Court for exploratory talks on the dispute.

The Labour Court intervened in the dispute today inviting both parties to engage in a process which will commence tomorrow.

Both the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) and HSE/Department of Health have accepted the invitation.

There are 40 medical scientists working in Cavan and Monaghan Hospitals providing a 24/7, 365 days a year laboratory service to patients in the hospital and also for GPs and nursing homes.

They took to the picket lines last week calling for pay parity.

MLSA yesterday evening issued notice to all of its 2,100 members to suspend further Industrial Action planned for tomorrow, and to resume work as normal tomorrow morning across all hospital laboratories.

MLSA General Secretary Terry Casey said the Union will enter the Labour Court process in good faith and with commitment to resolving the severe recruitment and retention issues in the laboratory sector.

“The MLSA’s Executive Committee met this afternoon and has agreed to accept the Labour Court’s invitation. We will remain focused on what is required to achieve a sustainable work structure for Medical Scientists, patients and the Irish health service.”