Thursday's tidings
by Hazel Gavigan
 
Today marks the centenary of the sinking of the RMS Leinster, which resulted in the deaths of 564 people in the single-largest loss of life on the Irish Sea.
Today marks the centenary of the sinking of the RMS Leinster, which resulted in the deaths of 564 people in the single-largest loss of life on the Irish Sea.

The Irish Times reports on Fórsa's planned industrial action set to take place in Institutes of Technology (IoTs) next Monday. Library, clerical and administrative staff in IoTs around the country will not engage in any form of communication as part of a campaign aimed at securing a comprehensive job evaluation exercise.

 

Also reported in The Times, the HSE has said that industrial action by some ambulance personnel was putting “the National Ambulance Service in a potentially precarious position”. Staff are in a dispute with the HSE over representation rights and the deduction of union subscriptions from pay.

 

Stress is the top concern in UK workplaces, according to a new TUC survey of trade union health and safety representatives. However, a Cardiff University study found 95% of employees calling in sick due to stress give a different reason for needing time off.

 

The cost of childcare in Ireland rose 2% in the past year - averaging at €9,256 per year. A national survey of childcare providers due to be published next month is expected to show the average for families is approximately €178 per week.

 

Met Éireann has issued a status orange weather warning for Storm Callum which will hit Ireland tonight, bringing gales of up to 130km/h along coasts and the possibility of local flooding.

 

Finally, some uplifting news. Runner Justin Gallegos has become the first professional athlete with cerebal palsy to sign a contract with Nike. Today's Zen is this quick video of him finding out the big news. 

 

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