There's widespread coverage of the INMO's announcement of a first day of strike action, including in the Irish Times and Examiner. Dates for further 24 hour stoppages by INMO members in February, on the 5th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th, if the dispute cannot be resolved were also announced yesterday.

Yesterday, Fórsa welcomed last week's Government decision to ban the use of single use plastics and other pollutants in the civil and public service. You can read more about that here.

The number of people who died in workplace accidents last year fell by 23%, according the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). It said 37 people lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2018, 11 less than in 2017, with the highest numbers of fatalities in the agriculture and construction sectors.

AIB and the Financial Services Union (FSU) have concluded discussions on a new pay agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The recommendation from the WRC is set to be published later this week, and FSU members are set to be balloted on the recommendation which comprises both a flat rate and performance related pay increase.

Finally, today's zen comes from Scottish singer (of Italian descent, if your wondering about the name) Paolo Nutini, who celebrates his birthday today.