Huge march for the nurses but serious concerns over proposed deal

national | worker & community struggles and protests | news report Wednesday February 20, 2019 00:36 by wsm - Workers Solidarity Movement

Video coverage of nurses march on Sat 9th Feb 2019

In the aftermath of the huge march (Sat 9th Feb 2019) in support of the nurses on Saturday the government suddenly found a pay deal it could put on the table, leading to the INMO suspending the strike until that deal is discussed and voted on.

According to RTE the suggested deal, which some nurses have expressed strong reservations about, would see a "new grade being created including the Enhanced Nurse Practice Grade which is a pay scale that is higher than the existing scale, by an average €2,000 to €2,500 – around 7% - and will range from €35,806 to €45,841 per annum. Nurses would be eligible to apply for the enhanced grade after four years' service."

However the INMO tweeted last night warning members that "The only reliable source of information on these proposals is the INMO, so please pay attention to official communications".

Members unhappy with deal as reported in the media responded;

"We have got to stick to our guns. Pay parity and safe staffing. Say no to paltry allowances. Let’s make this count for future generations of nurses."

"Absolutely no more ALLOWANCES. There must be significant increases to CORE BASIC PAY. Talk of a 'new nursing contract'-sounds like adding additional tasks on. This was meant to be unconditional! A stunt to stop the strike momentum? "
"From what I’ve read so far and I know there’s still negotiations to be done it’s a big no from me. This is way off what we were striking for and will only affect a certain amount of people. No No No"

"Having scrutinised this document I am appalled by every bit of it, we gain nothing, looking at 2010 payscales, it is insulting to say the very least and we have been as per usual let down dreadfully, it’s an insult "

Caption: The complete footages of the thousand who marched through Dublin to Stand with Nurses & Midwives in their struggle to protect the health service and win pay parity. This march takes place ahead of next weeks escalation of the strike as the government cont