SIPTU members will consider findings of a Labour Court recommendation, issued on 7th July, on the long-running dispute over pay rates for Public Laboratory Scientists working in the HSE.
The recommendation, while acknowledging that Public Laboratory Scientists should be paid in line with their colleagues who work as Medical Laboratory Scientists, still raises questions over how pay parity will be achieved.
Public Laboratory Scientists perform a vital job for the state, analysing environmental, biological and chemical samples to track and control disease outbreaks, ensure safe drinking water and test for toxic hazards. They are based in different laboratories in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John McCamley, said: “SIPTU representatives welcome the overall view of the Court to honour the outcome of an independent report by Kevin Duffy which reconfirms a linkage between public laboratory scientists and medical laboratory scientists.
“There is still a concern that the HSE will delay implementing enhanced pay rates without a clear mechanism to do so. SIPTU members have been fighting for several years to get the HSE to honour the outcome of the independent report, resulting in some Public Laboratory Scientists being paid at a lower rate than colleagues carrying out the same work.”
McCamley added: “The Court has also recommended that the parties engage on the reintroduction of Chief Laboratory Scientist positions, which the HSE refused to fill when the previous incumbents retired or transferred to different roles.
“Our members perform a complex and difficult task which is required for public safety across the country involving food standards, water quality, and disease outbreaks. We call on the HSE to implement the enhanced pay rates without delay and address the disrespect shown to our members over the last number of years.”