1. Pandemic Recognition Payment
As far as the INMO is concerned, negotiations to allow the issuing of the first circular on the pandemic recognition payment concluded with the HSE earlier this week. We are gravely disappointed that a circular to start the payment process has not been issued at this stage, and there is no excuse for this delay.
When this payment was announced in January, it was alluded that this payment would be made in March. The delays in commencing this payment have spoiled what should have been a good news story.
In addition to the arrangements currently proposed, and as we are currently back in the throes of COVID, the INMO and other healthcare unions believe that the date to be eligible for this payment must be extended to take stock of current circumstances. Furthermore, proposals from the HSE have not addressed the issue of Private Hospitals and GP Practices. We are continuing to press for these matters to be dealt with outside of this process through the industrial mechanisms of the State.
2. Executive Council Update
Due to the resignation of Kathryn Courtney and in accordance with rule 8.8.5, the Executive Council at their meeting on Tuesday 5th April by secret ballot elected Caroline Gourley to second Vice-President for the remainder of the current 2020 – 2022 term. Executive council elections were held this year and the incoming executive council will be announced at ADC 2022. Thank you to all who went for election and to those who have served on the executive council for the past term.
3. Sectoral Bargaining
As you are aware the Sectoral Bargaining Fund is to be utilised to pay a 3.28% increase to promotional grades to address the pay differential that was narrowed because of the introduction of the Enhanced Salary Scale. None of the Sectoral Bargaining Units for Healthcare Workers in the Health Service have concluded at this stage. It has been confirmed that the increases due will apply retrospectively to the 1st of February 2022. This process of negotiation is nearing completion and we expect to reach conclusion shortly.
4. ADC
We are looking forward to welcoming members to Sligo for our Annual Delegate conference from 4-6th May for what is sure to be an exciting few days of debate and discussion about the issues that are central to you and your colleagues as we continue to fight through this pandemic and record hospital overcrowding.
Delegates will be sent their packs next week with full details of motions. We will remind delegates that we will be encouraging you to practice good COVID protocol while at ADC including the wearing of face-coverings.
5. International Days of the Nurse and Midwife
International Days of the Nurse and Midwife Photo call: for the last two years members have helped us celebrate these very important days, by sending us photos of themselves and their colleagues which we have proudly displayed on social media on May 5th(International Day of the Midwife) and May 12th (International Nurses’ Day) and at our Annual Delegates’ Conference on the 4th, 5th and 6th. This year for our in-person ADC we are hoping for even more member photos to help us recognise your incredible contribution over the past 12 months, so we're asking members to send selfies or group photos of themselves and their colleagues across the health service. Please make sure anyone visible in your photos has given permission to have their photo submitted, and send all photos to beibhinn.dunne@inmo.ie by Friday 22nd April.
6. Job Opportunity – Industrial Relations Executive (Dublin North and Meath)
The Industrial Relations Executive is a new post within the INMO that offers a new and exciting opportunity to work as part of a dedicated team, providing and developing services to members within Dublin North and Meath. The INMO is committed to providing an excellent service to its members on all collective and individual matters, and in order to match our growing membership, we must expand our industrial relations team. A detailed job description is available from the PA to General Secretary. Please submit your letter of application and a detailed CV to gspaoffice@inmo.ie no later than 5 pm on Friday, 29th April 2022.