IMO doctors vote to take industrial action

Doctors who are members of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) have voted in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action.

The ballot was held in line with other public service unions over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

94% of doctors who were balloted supported industrial action.

These included consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors, and public and community health doctors.

General practitioners were not balloted as they are independent contractors and not directly employed by the HSE.

The national committees of the IMO will meet today to consider the nature of the industrial action.

The union will then serve three weeks' notice to the HSE and voluntary hospitals, with action set to commence on Wednesday 14 October.

"It is deeply regrettable this step had been taken but it was inevitable given the Government’s failure to engage constructively," the IMO said in a statement.

A number of public sector unions are due to begin industrial action in the form of work-to-rules over the coming days and weeks.

A national strike of public sector workers is planned for 14 October.

Unions have accused the Government of failing to make a meaningful offer on pay.

The previous public sector pay deal expired on 30 June, and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.

The Department of Public Expenditure said it is disappointing that unions have not taken the opportunity to engage in recent weeks.

"It is important that both sides return to the table to work towards a public service pay agreement," a spokesperson said.

"Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side," the spokesperson added.