IMPACT has suspended its industrial action at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital following successful negotiations that yielded a number of permanent clerical posts. The union’s north-east official Ray Ryan said most of the improvements sought by members had been agreed in principle.

Clerical and admin staff at the Drogheda hospital had previously escalated their industrial action in the dispute over staff cuts that had closed the hospital’s health promotion department.

One immediate effect of the agreement is that the health promotion unit is now due to reopen. In addition, IMPACT and management have agreed that 27 clerical and administrative posts are to be made permanent. The deal will see all current temporary posts remain in place pending the outcome of a review, as well as the filling of additional permanent posts.

Management will also agree the terms of reference and timeframe for the review with the union. Ray said subsequent discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) meant written confirmation of the agreed measures is expected shortly.

“We’re happy with the outcome of the negotiations as we achieved the vast majority of what we were looking for, including agreement on four posts to cover short-term absences. The industrial action is now suspended pending implementation of what was agreed in the WRC,” he said.

Ray paid tribute to the IMPACT members and branch activists for their support. “Without the resolve and efforts of our members and activists we would not have made this progress. Everyone was focused on achieving this outcome, and our members are to be commended for achieving this result,” he said.