Medical scientists suspend further industrial action

Unions accept Labour Court invitation

Medical scientists have suspended the industrial action they had planned for tomorrow 25 May, after accepting an invitation to attend the Labour Court for exploratory talks on the dispute.

The Labour Court intervened in the dispute today and invited both parties to engage in a process that will commence tomorrow.

The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) and HSE/Department of Health have accepted the invitation.

As a result, MLSA have this evening issued notice to all of its 2,100 members to suspend further industrial action planned for tomorrow, and to resume work as normal tomorrow morning at all hospital laboratories.

MLSA general secretary Terry Casey said the union will enter the Labour Court process in good faith and with commitment to resolving the severe recruitment and retention issues in the laboratory sector.

“The MLSA’s executive committee met this afternoon and has agreed to accept the Labour Court’s invitation. We will remain focused on what is required to achieve a sustainable work structure for Medical Scientists, patients and the Irish health service.”