Government must address cost of living pay issues of Public Servants
In a ballot of members of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA), Medical Scientists have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action over public service pay.
Medical Scientists will join with other public sector unions planning to take industrial action on October 14th, over failure to address pay issues faced by public sector workers during the current the cost of living crisis.
A ballot of members last week was passed by 96%, strongly endorsing the planned action which is being coordinated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Public Services Committee. The turnout in the Medical Scientists ballot was 58%.
The Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 expired in June and exploratory talks did not lead to an agreement. 19 Unions who represent public sector employees are expected to take part in industrial action on October 14th, with further action earmarked for October 21st.
The mandate involves approximately 2,000 Medical Scientists taking industrial action up to and including work to rule and/or work stoppages/strikes in line with the dates and times agreed by the Public Services Committee.
Medical Scientists carry out critical diagnostic testing of patient samples in public hospitals across the country.
MLSA General Secretary Terry Casey said: “MLSA members support the position of other Unions that a credible approach to protecting living standards can only be achieved by addressing pay.
“Public service pay has fallen significantly behind prices by as much as 5%. This dispute is about securing dignity, fairness and financial certainty for workers who are keeping public services functioning through a highly uncertain period.
“The Government must recognise that public servants need a pay framework that is responsive to the current economic realities facing them and their families.”