IF exploratory talks to avert a national strike by nurses fail to make progress today, the ballot for strike action at hospitals and health centres throughout the State seems certain to go ahead, Padraig Yeates, and Employment Correspondent.
Both sides remained pessimistic about a break through after yesterday's session at the Local Government and Staff Negotiations Board. The maximum tentative offer from management remains at £19,200 for staff nurses with over 16 years' service. The unions are seeking at least £21,000 at the top of the nine year scale.