LRC to host talks on health doctors' strike

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Health Service Employers' Agency (HSEA) are to meet later this week for formal talks aimed at resolving the strike by public health doctors.

The talks, to be held at the Labour Relations Commission, will try to break the deadlock in the dispute by the 270 doctors, who have been striking since April 14th over pay and conditions.

The IMO accused the Government and the HSEA of failing to table any meaningful offer since their dispute began. The HSEA made an "informal offer" of a 10.5 per cent pay rise in March, but this was rejected.

Last month, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, criticised the strike, claiming it was putting people's health at risk. He said the action showed a lack of responsibility and urged all sides to return to the Labour Court.

However, exploratory talks at the LRC between the IMO and HSEA on May 2nd adjourned following a failure to make any progress.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) last week agreed in principle to a submission from the IMO to mount all-out pickets outside health boards' hospitals. All hospital staff, including non-medical workers, would be asked not to cross the picket line.

The submission is now being considered by the other main health service unions, SIPTU, IMPACT and the INO.

Public health doctors are responsible for monitoring and tracking infectious diseases, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, influenza, measles and meningitis.