Industrial news in brief

Submitted by Matthew on 9 October, 2013 - 11:04

Junior doctors in the Republic of Ireland Ireland held a one day strike on 8 October over long working hours.

Three thousand doctors took part and fifty-one hospitals were affected.

Junior doctors are routinely required to work individual shifts of over 24 hours at a time and up to 100 hours a week. The Irish Government has admitted that the hours worked are in breach of the European Working Time Directive.

The doctors' strike follows weeks of failed negotiations with the Irish health service.

During the strike doctors carried out a transplant and dialysis service and palliative care.They attended patients who were undergoing active chemotherapy and radiotherapy which cannot be deferred, and unforeseen major incidents.

About 12,000 outpatient appointments have been cancelled as a result and about 3,000 operations had to be postponed.

Bus drivers fight pay freeze

Cheshire workers at Network Warrington buses struck on 6 and 7 October in an ongoing dispute over wages. Their first strikes on 13 and 21 September highlighted that for the first time in 16 years, the workers would get no pay rise. The bosses pleaded falling profits. Unite members plan further strikes on 15, 23 and 31 October, refusing to pay for their bosses’ losses.

Firefighters' pensions: Scottish ballot result due

The result of Scottish firefighters’ ballot over Scottish government pension plans is due as we go to press.

The SNP led Scottish government has offered some guarantees on capability and protection of older firefighters which are better than what is on offer to firefighters south of the border.

There is a problem with Scottish firefighers accepting the deal. They will end up with different conditions from the rest of the UK and leave other fighters to fight a battle over a new pension scheme (including increased pension contributions) and a statutory retirement age of 60.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.