Imminent industrial action by about 350 clinical measurement physiologists (CMPs) at hospitals and other health facilities has been deferred after the two sides agreed to re-enter talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The action had been due to commence on Friday morning but it was deferred on Thursday evening.
The staff concerned perform diagnostic testing across cardiac, respiratory, neurophysiology, gastrointestinal and vascular services. They are seeking the completion and implementation of a review of their roles and an end to outsourcing of some of their work.
The staff contend their job descriptions were effectively written in 1987 and have not evolved to take account of developments in technology and other changes to the way they work.
READ MORE
Their work to rule had been expected to affect some hospital, outpatient and other diagnostic services. It earlier looked set to proceed after talks at the WRC on Wednesday failed to resolve the issues.
On Thursday evening, however, trade union Fórsa said new talks have been arranged with “a view to reaching a collective agreement on all outstanding matters in dispute, and a timeline for resolution”.
In a statement, the Health Service Executive said it is “willing to engage and seek resolution with Fórsa and its members, within the provisions of the public service agreement”.
