A work-to-rule by assistant matrons in over 100 small- to medium-sized hospitals has been deferred. The matrons had threatened to refuse weekend cover from next Saturday in a dispute over new arrangements, writes Padraig Yeates. Management has withheld the latest phase of the nurses pay increase, worth between £1,500 and £2,000-a-year to this grade, as a result.
Following the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission the assistant matrons have now agreed to defer action for six weeks to allow negotiations to take place.
The dispute is the first to arise following the implementation of the new nurses pay deal agreed six months ago. Under the agreement matrons were to be released from providing weekend cover at hospitals.
Yesterday, the deputy general secretary of the Irish Nurses Organisation, Mr Liam Doran, said the union wanted more assistant matrons appointed to make the new system workable. Direct talks begin between the two sides tomorrow.