Medical laboratory scientists have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action 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.
The mandate includes industrial action up to and including strike action on dates and times to be agreed by the Executive Committee of the union.
"The MLSA will meet with other health service unions before Christmas to discuss the most effective way to pursue industrial action in 2025," said MLSA Chairperson Mairead Ní Mhuimhneacháin.
"The Executive Committee will then meet with MLSA agents in early January to discuss the nature and timing of any action," Ms Ní Mhuimhneacháin said.
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.
They went on strike in May 2022 to highlight long-standing pay and career development issues.
The MLSA is joining other health unions, including Fórsa, the INMO and Connect who have balloted members over staff shortages.
Since October, 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.
