Members of the Irish Nurses' Organisation have been told that industrial peace in the sector is being threatened by the failure of management to honour agreements.
The nurses, who are holding their annual conference in Killarney, Co Kerry, say it is difficult to prevent frustration when health managers are failing to respect industrial relations procedures.
The INO, which has 30,000 members, is debating several issues at the meeting.
The topics include the crisis in A & E departments caused by the shortage of beds and the threat to local hospital A & E services likely to result from the Hanly Report.
