Friday 8th January 2016.  The IMO has commenced a ballot on industrial action amongst its members who are Non Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) in University Hospital Limerick.  The ballot marks an escalation in a dispute with the Hospital over the non payment of monies to NCHDs for overtime worked.  The decision to ballot was taken by members at the Hospital immediately before Christmas following failure by management to resolve the issues.  Subject to the outcome of the ballot, industrial action at the Hospital may take place in the week commencing Monday 18th January next.

The ballot papers have today (Friday) issued to members and are to be returned on 15 January.

Speaking today Dr John Duddy, IMO Vice President, said that the dispute at University Hospital Limerick is another clear example of the HSE’s shortcoming as an employer; “It is outrageous that doctors who have worked long hours looking after patients should be treated so badly by their employer.”

Dr. Duddy said that failures by the HSE on matters such as this was a significant contributory factor to the number of young Irish qualified doctors emigrating.  Nobody wants to work in a system where the employer repeatedly fails in its responsibilities to its employees.  Doctors are already working in a system that is chaotic and now they are expected to work over and above their contracted hours without pay.”

Dr. Duddy said that the IMO would pursue this issue until members have been fully paid their entitlements.