SIPTU members are being asked not to feel pressurised by the NMBI renewal notice and to stand together and refuse to pay the 50% increase imposed on Nurses and Midwives by the NMBI.
SIPTU and other unions are seeking a cap on the fee of €100 per annum under the Haddington Road agreement that will keep Nurses and Midwives in line with other allied health professionals.
Sector Organiser Kevin Figgis said that no state organisation is entitled to increase its income by 50% from a single source and is encouraging all members of SIPTU attend the protest so that their voices can be heard loud and clear by the NMBI.
“Our members should not feel pressurised by the renewal notice issued in recent days by NMBI. They have until 30th May 2015 to make a payment under the 2014 regulations issued by NMBI. The employer, in this case the HSE, cannot discipline any member, or require proof of payment, until after that date”.
“This unjustified increase and tax on work is at the expense of hard pressed people that have worked day in and day out with staffing and pay cuts across the health service – enough is enough.”
“This campaign of resistance can work is all our members stick together and attend the protest on the 18th of November. It is also very important for our members to be aware that they have up until the 30th of May 2015 to make their payment under NMBI regulations so our advice is to hold tight, don’t pay and come out on the day.”
Note to members
Buses for the protest are available – contact your local Union rep or email ask@siptuhealth.ie
NMBI is seeking to increase the retention fee for members for 2015, from €100 to €150. Nurses and midwives will hold a public protest, to coincide with the next meeting of the NMBI board, which is scheduled for Tuesday, 18th November. This protest will begin at midday outside NMBI Headquarters, 18/20 Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
SIPTU nurses and midwives are also being asked to send in individual letters of complaint to NMBI outlining their reasons for opposing the rise in the retention fee.
