The Irish Medical Organisation is to issue ballot papers to its 1,600 general practitioner members on Thursday recommending industrial action in the General Medical Scheme. The IMO has accused the Department of Health of delaying a special pay claim for GPs under the PCW (Programme for Competitiveness and Work). The original claim was lodged with the Department in 1995.
In a statement yesterday, the IMO said it expected an "overwhelming majority" in favour of industrial action.
"Last Friday evening, the Department issued a statement calling on the IMO to return to talks on terms that have not changed since December 1997. This dispute is a serious one and threatens the social partnership. The IMO is seeking parity of treatment for GPs and what has already been provided for other professional groups. In terms of the 1 per cent increase in fees for GPs being sought by the IMO, backdated to April 1994, this has already been paid to other health sector groups," said the IMO.
