SIPTU has welcomed the announcement today (Monday, 22nd February) by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that it is making the funds available to increase 4th year student nurses and midwives pay to 70% of the staff nursing scale. SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis said: “This decision follows intensive lobbying by SIPTU and our nursing union colleagues to get an immediate sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to fund this measure. This increase for student nurses and midwives was part of a deal reached with the Department of Health, as part of the Lansdowne Road Agreement process, in December 2015.” He added: “In real terms, our student members working in nursing and midwifery will see a pay increase from below the national minimum wage to €9.48 per hour. By putting more money in their pockets this will allow them to participate more fully in the economy. A further gain for student nurses and midwives is the reintroduction, for many of them, of an incremental credit for their 36-week work placement, which was removed in 2011. “The increase in student nurses and midwives pay is a necessary step to encourage them that they have a future in the Irish health system and that their contribution is valued. It is important to note that a number of issues relating to the Lansdowne Road Agreement remain outstanding. SIPTU will continue to work with our nursing union colleagues to pursue these outstanding issues which include the granting of the incremental credit to students who graduated between 2011 and 2015.” Joint nursing unions statement on pay increase click here
SIPTU campaign secures increase in student nurses and midwives pay
