SIPTU is opposing an attempt by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to increase the retention fee for members for 2015, from €100 to €150, which was announced today (Tuesday, 23rd September). All nurses and midwives must be registered with NMBI in order to practice their profession in Ireland. SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “This increase which follows on from a major increase last year is totally unacceptable. SIPTU members along with their colleagues in the other unions that represent nurses and midwives will be opposing any attempt to impose this increase. SIPTU members are asked not to pay their NMBI retention fee and cancel any direct debits for this purpose. “A protest is also being organised for the NMBI National Conference which takes place in Chartered Accountants House, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, on Thursday, 9th October”. He added: “Our members have suffered significant financial reductions over the past number of years including pay cuts, the imposition of levies and the Universal Social Charge. They are not in a position to pay increased fees to NMBI, an organisation which has attempted to impose an increase of nearly 70% in the retention fee over the last two years”. To read the full notice to all SIPTU nurses and midwives – click here – NMBI 1 To read the joint union letter to NMBI click here – click here – NMBI 2