Medical laboratory scientists will be balloted for industrial action over the coming weeks in a dispute over staff shortages.
Their union, the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA), has accused the Health Service Executive (HSE) of suppressing posts that were vacant at the end of last year, and of failing to replace posts vacant since then.
Medical laboratory scientists carry out critical diagnostic testing of patient samples in public hospitals across the country and have been warning for a number of years about recruitment and retention problems in their sector.
MLSA members went on strike in May 2022 to highlight long-standing pay and career development issues.
A motion on an industrial action ballot was passed unanimously at the 2024 MLSA AGM.
"The HSE has suppressed these frontline posts without assessing the impact on service of the permanent loss of these posts, and has refused to share data with trade unions on how many funded and approved vacancies have been suppressed," said MLSA Chairperson Mairead Ní Mhuimhneacháin.
The MLSA is joining other health unions, including Fórsa, the INMO and Connect in balloting members over staff shortages.
Since last month, unions have been engaging in a series of lunchtime protests to highlight the issue.
The HSE has described the action as "regrettable" against the background of additional funding for the health service and increasing staff numbers.
It said that its Pay and Numbers Strategy has enabled it to stabilise its workforce numbers and has allowed it to increase staffing levels.
The HSE said it respects the right of all unions and professional groups to advocate on behalf of their members.
"However, it is important that the unions involved in protests and public commentary recognise the enormous growth and pace of change in recent years," a spokesperson said.
