Craft workers have said they will not provide emergency cover for hospitals if a national strike over a long-standing pay claim goes ahead. A spokesman for the Local Authority and Health Boards Craft Group of Unions said it would be up to management to provide cover if a strike goes ahead.
Their unions have decided to begin balloting for strike action next week. The result, which is expected to be overwhelmingly in favour, will be known by November 7th.
The 4,000 craft workers involved are seeking an increase of £27.69p a week to bring them back into line with similar grades within the private and semi-State sectors.
They have an "analogue" agreement going back to 1979, which automatically realigns their rates of pay with a "basket" of comparative grades in 18 companies.