Press Releases

Campaign of Opposition to Low-Paid Graduate Programme Grows. 17.01.13

Press Release

- Boycott remains in place
- Lobbying of government TDs to intensify

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) arising from the decision of the HSE, to extend the deadline for applications for the graduate programme until 1st February 2013 and to now seek to include 2010 and 2011 graduates, has decided that the campaign of opposition, to this low paid sham programme, will be broadened and intensified.

The INMO has issued a bulletin, for the attention of all new graduates, warmly congratulating them upon the solidarity they have shown, in boycotting the scheme, and for continuing to show they have respect for their worth and skill which should always see them paid the proper 100% rate of pay.

As a result of this further insulting and flawed decision, of the HSE, the campaign of opposition will now have additional strands including:

the INMO raised the new graduate issue, at the Croke Park extension talks earlier today, and clearly stated that this matter must be positively addressed, and all existing pay rates respected, as part of any outcome, if one emerges, from this process;

the INMO and PNA met, earlier today, with Labour Party and opposition TDs in order to brief them on the serious flaws, within this graduate programme, and why it amounts to nothing more than an attempt at cheap “yellow pack” labour;

the INMO and PNA will, this weekend, undertake a further round of lobbying, of all TDs, with particular emphasis upon government TDs. This will be in the context of this recent development and how it can be explained, by government TDs, with reference to the previous replies they have given to new graduates;

on next Wednesday, 23rd January 2013, at 12.00 noon an information briefing session will be held, for all TDs/Senators, in Leinster House, to further inform them about the flaws, in this initiative, and to explain why, and how, savings can be made while still respecting agreed pay rates;

the INMO will provide further information, to 2010/2011 graduates, who are currently in work on proper contracts, to ensure that they are not, in any way, compromised by management efforts to have these contracts replaced by a low paid graduate alternative; and

the national call, for a complete boycott of the programme, will remain in place with ongoing information and updates being provided through Facebook and other social media.

As previously stated the actions, late yesterday, of the HSE, to extend the closing date and expand the scheme, is comprehensive proof, if it was needed, that this is not a graduate programme but simply a low pay initiative where the nurse/midwife would have to be 100% responsible but only paid 80% of the scale. In fact the loss of earnings, to 2010 and 2011 graduates, could be up to 37% if the HSE attempted to replace proper contracts with these cheap flawed alternatives.

Speaking this evening INMO General Secretary Liam Doran said:

“The new graduates are to be applauded and complimented on their commitment to this campaign and the success of the boycott to date.

These new graduates have demonstrated respect for themselves, their colleagues, their profession and their patients by insisting that every post, which involves 100% responsibility and obligations, must be paid the proper rate. In contrast the HSE’s behaviour continues to be one of total disrespect for nursing and midwifery as they attempt to devalue the contribution of agency and other staff, by sacking them, while replacing them with underpaid nurses/midwives.

The campaign will grow and intensify, between now and 1st February 2013, and the INMO remains confident that our call for a boycott will be widely supported. It will remain in place until the HSE comes to its senses and respects the agreed rates of pay”.

Mr. Doran concluded:

“This issue was raised at today’s discussions, on a possible Croke Park extension agreement, and the INMO will continue to insist that this issue is fully addressed, and all existing pay rates respected, as part of these discussions”.

-Ends-

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