Lunchtime protest at University Hospital Limerick stood down after Labour Court referral

The planned lunchtime protest at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has been stood down after the dispute was referred to the Labour Court.

The industrial action, which was to begin on 29 September, involved nursing and midwifery managers and linked grades represented by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and SIPTU. Approximately 3,500 staff across a range of settings – including psychiatry, community services, public health nursing, maternity, paediatrics, general hospital, long‑term care and palliative care – were set to take part.

The dispute centres on the implementation of a new pay and grading structure for nursing and midwifery managers. Directors of Nursing/Midwifery, Assistant Directors, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Midwife Practitioners and Nurse/Midwife Tutors had threatened a work‑to‑rule from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm on the day.

The PNA has formally notified the Health Service Executive that its members will commence industrial action on 1 October 2026, following a ballot supporting action up to a full withdrawal of labour over the Public Service Agreement 2024‑2026 and the lack of a successor agreement.

With the matter now before the Labour Court, the unions will engage in the court process and all associated actions, including the lunchtime protest, remain stood down.

Source: Clare Champion. Photo: Jonathan Meyer / Pexels.