IMO doctors to strike next month

Doctors who are members of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) will join other public sector workers in a nationwide strike on 14 October.

The action is being taken over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

IMO members will also begin a work-to-rule from the start of their shifts on 15 October which will remain in place until further notice.

The doctors involved include consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors, and public and community health doctors.

General practitioners are not part of the action as they are independent contractors and not directly employed by the HSE.

"Protecting patient safety remains paramount," the IMO said in an update to members.

"The IMO's National Specialty Committees and Council are currently finalising arrangements to ensure that essential services are maintained throughout the period of action.

"The specific measures to be undertaken will vary across medical grades and specialties," the union said.

More than 100,000 public sector workers in areas such as health, education and local authorities began industrial action today in the form of a work-to-rule.

Nurses, civil servants and special needs assistants are among those taking part in the action over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

Other public sector unions will commence industrial action over the coming days ahead of two planned strikes next month on 14 and 21 October.

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.