Sir, We are told that union negotiators have to consult with their members as to why there was such a huge rejection of the deal offered by the Government.
It just shows how out of touch union leaders are with the rank and file members. Union members are disgusted that their union leaders would consider recommending such a deal. They feel they have been sold out by their unions.
Maybe it is time to have a vote of confidence in the unions. The pay deal offer was so complicated that the interpretation of it was extremely confusing to say the least. Union leaders were unable to give clear and unambiguous interpretation of the document. The majority of nurses got absolutely nothing out of this offer and were expected to give so much away.
Why should junior staff nurses' salaries be reduced? Why should we by the only group to have to wait 18 years to be on a maximum increment? Why should we have to give up dual qualification payments? Why is there no incentive for nurses to do more courses? They have to pay for such courses themselves and unlike other groups do not receive extra payments for extra qualifications.
The Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, talks of staff nurses who are going to receive £60 per week extra as a result of this offer. From when exactly would they receive this amount and who are these nurses? I have met very large numbers of nurses since these proposals were put, forward and the over riding feeling is that they have benefited nothing from the proposals and that they have been let down by the unions. I have not met one nurse who would be better off by £60 per week. Yours, etc., Chairperson, Irish Association of Critical Care Nurses, Slademore Drive, Ard Na Greine, Dublin 13.