Healthcare unions have suspended work-to-rule action planned for tomorrow. It follows 22 hours of intense negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission across the weekend.

Nurses and midwives will now be balloted on proposals to develop and improve recruitment processes and workforce planning.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Forsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association have taken the decision to suspend their work-to-rule action that was due to begin on Monday.

It follows twenty-two hours of engagement in the Workplace Relations Commission between unions and the HSE over proposals to recruit and retain staff into the public health service.

Unions say nurses and midwives will now be balloted on the proposals in the hope of bringing a resolution to the long running dispute over staffing levels.

It is understood that the proposed agreement will enhance the conversion of agency posts to HSE jobs, boost union consultation on future hiring choices, and prioritize maternity leave coverage in the health sector.

The agreement would provide priority to advancement prospects for current health service employees, while maintaining the employment ceilings established under the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy.

According to unions, the suppression of open positions and limits on hiring have resulted in unhealthy working and patient conditions.

The HSE has already stated that the planned strike action is disappointing given the health service’s increased financing and growing workforce.

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