Ambulance workers are holding their fifth day of strike action today.
Some 500 members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) are downing tools from 7am to 5pm.
They are calling for the HSE to recognise their right to be represented by the PNA – which established its ambulance branch in 2010.
The Union has accused the HSE failing to respond to three invitations to talks on the dispute from the Workplace Relations Commission.
Ambulance personnel members of @PNA_IRL @nasra_sallins will hold a fifth day of strike nationally tomorrow,(Tues) in their continuing campaign for their right to join, and be represented by the PNA as the union of their choice. The strike action will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— PNA (@PNA_IRL) April 1, 2019
PNA General Secretary Peter Hughes said today’s action aims to send a clear message to the HSE that they will fight for their right to join and be represented by the union of their choice.
“It is time for the HSE to respond to three separate WRC invitations to attend talks to resolve this dispute through industrial relations procedures and not through confrontation or legal threats,” he said.
Ambulance workers demonstrate n Davitt Road in Inchicore, Dublin, 15-02-2019. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNewsHe said the PNA ambulance branch already represents more frontline ambulance staff than at least two of the unions the HSE has agreed to recognise.
“It is inexplicable that the HSE is continuing to attempt to ignore and frustrate the wishes of these frontline staff to be members of the PNA,” he said.
The workers already held strike days on January 22nd, February 15th, 28th and March 1st.
