Labour Court recommends talks on 37.5-hour week dispute involving HSE South and PNA branch

The Labour Court recommended that HSE South and the Members of the Cork Psychiatric Nurses Association Branch hold direct discussions over introducing a 37.5-hour working week for nurses in Cork Mental Health Services. The dispute followed the union’s account that two signed agreements had not been enacted. The union said 96% of nurses nationally worked the reduced week and sought its immediate introduction in Cork. HSE South said implementation depended on cost neutrality, maintaining patient services and approved employment levels; it said the week was already in place in most of HSE South Cork and Kerry. In its recommendation signed on 30 November 2012, the Court said discussions should address clarifications about the 24 October 2012 letter and be completed within eight weeks. Any unresolved issues could then return to the Court for a final recommendation.