Labour demand Minister McGrath and Donnelly break the deadlock in MLSA pay dispute
Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith has today (Wednesday, 18th May) demanded that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, and Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, engage directly with MLSA representatives immediately in order to break the deadlock concerning pay equality for medical scientists.
Deputy Smith said:
“Going on strike is always the last resort for people and MLSA members have done all they can to avoid this industrial action. However, the Government and the Ministers responsible simply did not listen and these essential frontline workers were forced to stand up for themselves and take to the picket line.
“I was on the picket lines this morning and the MLSA members are determined to see this action through. The Labour Party full supports their action.
“The reality is that these workers provide a round the clock 24/7 365 day a year service. Medical scientists are essential to the functioning of the health service and these reasonable demands cannot be ignored any longer. We are demanding that the Ministers take responsibility here and remove any blockage, particularly in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, without delay.”