Medical Scientists vote for industrial action

Medical scientists who are members of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

Medical Scientists carry out diagnostic testing of patient samples in public hospitals across the country.

They will now join with other public sector unions planning to take strike action on 14 October.

"Public service pay has fallen significantly behind prices by as much as 5%," said MLSA General Secretary Terry Casey.

"This dispute is about securing dignity, fairness and financial certainty for workers who are keeping public services functioning through a highly uncertain period," Mr Casey said.

Public sector 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 unions and representative associations have made a decision to move to industrial action rather than engaging in substantive talks.

"It is deeply unfair on the general public for there to be significant disruption to their daily lives because unions are unwilling to sit down and engage constructively on a new agreement," a spokesperson said.

"Officials remain ready and willing to engage and that should happen without any further delay."

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