Sir, - I wish to clarify the option at present regarding the recent pay talks on behalf of us, the nurses. It has been 16 years since strike action was threatened. In that time what we have received has been based on what other groups in the public service have already won.
We have many objections to this proposal - the main ones are: (1) The length of time the proposed increases will take to implement - 17 years for entrants onto the salary scale. At present 50 per cent of nurses can expect no immediate increase in pay. We have waited long enough. (2) Newly qualified staff must accept lower rates of pay.
(3) Annualised holidays: in a profession as stressful as nursing, it is necessary to have a break at least every three months for both patients and nurses' benefit. Our maximum holidays are 24 days.
(4) Middle managers: ward sisters and unit - nursing officers have not been recognised at all.
(5) Performance appraisal: the introduction of performance appraisal should be addressed as a separate issue with full participation of all nurses.
We are often told that we are undervalued and underpaid. We agree. It is time to pay. - Yours, etc.,
Tralee,
Co Kerry.