The HSE and healthcare workers unions will resume talks aimed at avoiding industrial action at the Workplace Relations Commission tomorrow. It's after marathon negotiations up to the early hours of this morning ended without agreement.
These talks began at 10:30 yesterday morning, with unions emerging at around 1:50 am this morning. However there was no agreement to suspend a planned work-to-rule - which is due to be observed by up to 80,000 healthcare workers from Monday in a row over staffing levels.
The HSE is understood to have issued proposals which included union involvement in future recruitment, before the unions issued counterproposals. INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha, wouldn't be drawn on the specifics. The HSE said it needed time to consider the proposals, and the two sides will reconvene at the WRC on Saturday. Meanwhile, the industrial action is due to go ahead for now - and that includes a one-day stoppage at Our Lady Of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda next Thursday.
