Nurses have warned the Government and the Health Service Executive it is illegal to dock their pay, it emerged today.
The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) told Minister for Health Mary Harney and HSE chief Prof Brendan Drumm that its lawyers have confirmed it is unlawful to interfere with the terms of the national wage agreement.
The INO also reiterated that it will not enter into any talks or sign any deal which would reduce the pay of its members.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his officials are due to return to talks with unions and employers this week about possible wage reductions or job cuts.
The Government needs to find ways to slash two billion euro from its spending plans for 2009 and is studying the public pay bill.
The national wage agreement, brokered in September, promises a 6 per cent increase over 21 months.
INO general secretary Liam Doran said: “We have received comprehensive legal advice and we are happy that any attempt by Government, to reduce the pay of nurses and midwives, can be successfully resisted.
“The attempts to attack the pay and pensions of public sector workers by Ibec, Isme is opportunistic, antagonistic and unwarranted.”
The INO criticised employers for their persistent calls for an array of financial assistance, grants and tax incentives for business.
“We remain absolutely committed to take whatever action is necessary to protect our members’ interests in the face of any attack on existing pay levels by Government,” Mr Doran said.
Elsewhere, Siptu has announced its strike ballot result in the Dublin region over cutbacks has been extended by 24 hours.
The result of the union ballot of its 9,000 members in the Dublin Health Services Branch will be announced at 4pm on tomorrow and not today.
PA