All public service unions are currently involved in an ongoing campaign of action seeking a reversal of the recent pay cuts, protection of pensions and guarantees about job security.

As part of this campaign all health service unions, including the INMO, have agreed a Solidarity Pact which will be implemented in the event of a staff member, from any union, being disciplined for participating in any element of the current campaign.

The details of the pact are as follows:

1. Each union at every work location will nominate a principal rep and an alternative who, will co-ordinate the union response.

2. Names of principal and alternative reps will be circulated to all unions and should meet within one week.

3. Where disciplinary action is used against a member of any union the principal rep, or alternate, will notify all other principal reps of an Emergency Solidarity Pact meeting to take place within three hours of the imposition of the disciplinary action.

4. The meeting is to be held within working hours and will be mandatory for all members of all unions.

5. Only essential and emergency cover will be provided for the duration of the meeting.

6. A motion of solidarity outlining the precise escalation expected of each union will be put to the meeting with the unanimous recommendation of all unions.

7. This action will include all forms of industrial action up to and including a withdrawal of labour.

8. Emergency and essential patient care will at all times be protected.



March 2010