Caredoc Nurses to Strike Over Unresolved Pay Dispute

Nurses and healthcare workers at Caredoc facilities have declared their intention to initiate industrial action, including a withdrawal of labor, starting on December 18, 2023. This decision follows ongoing disputes regarding an 8 percent pay increase promised in a 2023 Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement related to Section 39 organizations.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and SIPTU are demanding that the Caredoc management implement this increase for staff who provide vital services such as GP out-of-hours care, telephone triage, and community interventions. The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that it allocated €647,834 to Caredoc in May 2025 to facilitate this salary increase, but the unions assert that these funds have not yet been reflected in employees’ wages.

Union Leaders Call for Urgent Action

In a joint statement, leaders from INMO and SIPTU emphasized the importance of the services provided by Caredoc nurses. Grainne Walsh, INMO Industrial Relations Officer, stated, “Caredoc nurses provide such an invaluable service around the country, taking significant pressure off acute and public health services. There is no justification for this employer holding this money and not paying it to their staff as stipulated when it was paid to them.”

The unions have expressed that they have exhausted all other avenues to resolve the pay issue, and they are now prepared to take further steps to ensure their members receive the compensation outlined in the agreement. Walsh added, “Our members have no desire to withdraw their services in the middle of winter, but all other avenues have been exhausted. We will be meeting with workplace representatives to discuss next steps and ensure that all contingency and organizational arrangements are in place for work stoppages.”

SIPTU Health Organiser, Ger McNally, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our members are left with no alternative but to engage in industrial action to achieve the pay increases as set down in the October 2023 Workplace Relations Commission Agreement.” He noted that despite numerous attempts to negotiate with management, no resolution had been reached.

Impact on Healthcare Services

The potential strike poses serious implications for healthcare services, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges faced by public health systems. McNally pointed out that many workers, including call takers, drivers, receptionists, and administrative staff, have not received their pay increases, which adds financial strain amid rising living costs.

He concluded with a call to Caredoc management: “We call on Caredoc to come to the table with a proposal to pay the increases due to our members to avoid any escalation of this dispute.”

As the December 18 deadline approaches, both unions are preparing for possible industrial action, emphasizing their commitment to securing fair pay for their members and the essential services they provide to the community.