INMO strike continues

In biting cold conditions members of the Cavan branch of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) took to the pavement outside Cavan General hospital for the 24-hour nurses' strike that commenced at 7:30 this morning (Wednesday).

The strikes affects all but “emergency and life preserving cover” at Cavan General Hospital. The nursing unions have pledged to maintain emergency cover during the strikes, however the rescheduling of cancellations will impact on the local waiting lists.

The strike by members of the INMO has caused widespread disruption in the health service,

but the public in Cavan showed their support for the nurses action in several positive online posts.

Today's industrial action is the first of six planned 24 hour strikes by the INMO. The 37,000 members of the group are also scheduled to withdraw labour on February 5, 7, 12, 13 and 14.

Labour Party local election candidate in Cavan-Belturbet Liam van der Spek said he is backing the INMO strike: “No worker takes going on strike lightly and the decision by INMO members to go on strike is obviously not an easy one to make. Nurses have arguably one of the most challenging jobs in our health sector and with the numbers of staff continuing to decrease due to pay and conditions it is no surprise that they feel they have to go one strike.

“There is no denying that pay is also a factor in the recruitment and retention crisis in the nursing sector,” Mr van der Spek said.

One of the striking workers took to Facebook to thank local businesses who offered their support: “Thank you to the very generous local businesses who came out with hot drinks and food to support us this morning on the picket line, we appreciate it ( McCarran meats, Cavan Crystal Hotel, The Masons Apron).”