Nurses in the Western Health Board (WHB) region returned to work for the night shift last night with mixed feelings. They were abiding by a Nursing Alliance decision to defer strike action.
The Irish Nurses' Organisation (INO) industrial relations officer for the west, Ms Clare Treacy, said there were "different opinions" about the proposed package in the region. However, she hoped nurses would be willing to accept the position of the executive councils, taken yesterday after lengthy discussions.
The INO general secretary, Mr Liam Doran, is due to address nurses in Galway tomorrow night.
"Emotions were high on Tuesday on the picket line as people felt they wouldn't even get a chance to vote," said Ms Treacy last night. "However, members will look at this package responsibly and make an informed decision, and I hope nurses will see the benefits to be gained from it."
Before pickets were lifted yesterday evening, the mood of many picketers in western counties was defiant, with some expressing opposition to returning to work before a ballot.
INO members in the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon region had warned on Tuesday that a settlement this week could not be taken for granted.
Considerable opposition was expressed to the proposed senior staff nursing position, which is central to the settlement formula. It was felt that the proposed position should be based on merit, rather than on long service.
SIPTU at University College Hospital, Galway (UCHG) had echoed the INO concern in the west in advance of the Labour Court recommendations but said yesterday that the comment made had been unofficial and did not reflect the national position.
A potential row over student nurses' exams was resolved in Galway yesterday following talks between management and unions.
SIPTU had sought assurances from UCHG that three student nurses would be allowed to sit exams and would not become victims of the dispute.
Criteria for sitting the exams with An Bord Altranais are based on time spent in clinical placement and in class. However, the students had not been able to make up for time lost before the dispute arose.
The INO became aware of the issue and the matter was resolved following further contact with An Bord Altranais and the local tutor.
