Dear Colleagues,
As you are aware this has been a particularly challenging year for the PNA with two ongoing major disputes.
The nursing Recruitment and Retention dispute and our Ambulance Personnel branch dispute in relation to the right to join and be represented by, the union of their choice. An update on this issue is provided within the newsletter.
Recruitment and Retention continues to be a critical issue in the Mental Health Services with a 20% vacancy level in some services and an unsustainable reliance on overtime and agency to maintain services.
There are also challenges from market competitors both within the private sector in Ireland and overseas.
The campaign to address this crisis has been protracted and frustrating with direct engagement with the employer, numerous WRC’s and Labour Court hearings. The lack of urgency shown by the employer to address this dispute demonstrates the Governments disregard in relation to the provision of mental health services.
Our negotiations continue on the week commencing 24th June with direct engagement within the HSE and a Workplace Relations conciliation on the 28th of June. It is envisaged that a final proposal will emanate from the WRC process addressing the outstanding issues, i.e.; the new enhanced nurse contract and other elements. On receipt of a final proposal an NEC will be convened to consider the proposal and the next steps to be taken.
Thank you for your patience and continued commitment in respect of this protracted process.
Yours sincerely
Peter Hughes
General Secretary
