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SIPTU and INMO members at Caredoc accept pay proposal

INMO and SIPTU members at Caredoc engaged in strike action in December over a pay increase that was never implemented
INMO and SIPTU members at Caredoc engaged in strike action in December over a pay increase that was never implemented

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and SIPTU have announced that their members employed at Caredoc have voted to accept a pay proposal.

It brings to an end a dispute between the unions and the GP out-of-hours service that saw workers, including triage nurses, receptionists and drivers, withdraw their labour last month.

The dispute was primarily centred on the workers receiving an 8% increase in pay that they say was part of a Workplace Relations Commission agreement made in 2023 that was not implemented.

The unions had originally planned to stage further 24-hour and 48-hour strikes over the busy Christmas period.

However, this industrial action was subsequently averted and the unions agreed to ballot their members after finalising a new proposal with Caredoc.

SIPTU Health Division Industrial Organiser, Ger McNally has said the outcome of the ballot reflects the "strong mandate" of the union's members to secure "fair and just pay increases" in line with the WRC agreement.

SIPTU and INMO members on the picket line
SIPTU and INMO members accepting the pay proposal brings the dispute to an end

Mr McNally said: "Our members showed great strength, resolve and solidarity in bringing this dispute to a conclusion through the strategic use of industrial action that saw our members man picket lines for a day in December.

"This outcome will benefit workers and users of Caredoc services alike.

"SIPTU representatives look forward to working with Caredoc management and other stakeholders to ensure the agreed terms are implemented swiftly."

Mr McNally added that the local strike committee worked tirelessly throughout the process.

A spokesperson for the INMO has confirmed that its members working at Caredoc have also accepted the proposals.

They said: "The out-of-hours and triage services provided by our members at Caredoc represent a crucial resource and one that is heavily relied on by patients and doctors across the country."

Caredoc provides GP out-of-hours services in the southeast of the country in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and south Tipperary.

However, it also provides these services in south Wicklow, as well as in the northwest of the country in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and west Cavan.

Its community intervention teams also provide care in the home services in the southeast and in Co Wicklow.