Members stay united in opposing increase in NMBI fees
Thousands of SIPTU nursing and midwife members have followed the advice of their union to pay a €100 retention fee to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) when their personal circumstances allow, rather than the €150 demanded by that organisation.
SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “I would ask members to realise that this campaign of opposition is not just about the proposed fee increase for 2015. I would ask members to recall that the fee was increased, by over 12%, this time last year and the NMBI has clearly said they reserve their position, with regard to further increases, for 2016 and beyond.
“This, obviously, completely ignores the income reductions that nurses and midwives have suffered in recent years, and the NMBI, as a monopoly, cannot increase its fees by 50% and maintain credibility.
Against this background SIPTU is again reminding members of the following:
1. Members should now pay €100 (the existing fee), by cheque/postal order/credit transfer when their personal circumstances allow.
2. The union will be distributing badges in all workplaces, which members can wear to demonstrate they have paid €100 and remain on the register.
3. The NMBI has confirmed that its own internal procedures provides for a second reminder, which will issue after 2nd February 2015, allowing for a further 28 days before the matter goes before the NMBI Board in March/April.
4. The HSE has confirmed that it only requires confirmation of registration for 2015, by 30th April 2015. Therefore there is no requirement for any local demand for confirmation of registration before this date (the HSE issued a circular on 23rd December 2014 on this matter).
5. SIPTU and its fellow nursing unions remain in contact with the Department of Health concerning the attempt by the NMBI to impose a fee increase and whether this breaches the Haddington Road Agreement.
Note to members making a payment to the NMBI:
When making this €100 payment, after 5th January, it should be made through one of the following methods; by Cheque; or Postal Order; or Credit Transfer
NMBI bank details are:
Sort Code – 901490
A/C – 97384636
BIC – BOFIIE2DXXX
IBAN – IE09BOF190149097384636
Bank name – Bank of Ireland
Bank address – Baggot Street Lower
When making the payment of €100, regardless of which of the three methods used, members should quote their unique NMBI Pin Number and maintain a record of payment.