Medical scientists have notified the HSE that they are ready to serve notice of industrial action next week, unless there is engagement on the implementation of a Labour Court recommendation on pay and career development issues.
The Medical Laboratory Scientists' Association (MLSA) accused the HSE, Department of Health and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of failing to meet with the union to resolve the dispute.
Medical scientists carry out critical diagnostic testing of patient samples and they previously took two days of industrial action in May 2022.
A report published in January addressed the key issues in the dispute and the MLSA said it found no reason why medical scientists should be paid on average 8% less than colleagues in biochemistry labs.
The report recommended that pay scales for the grades should be largely aligned.
In June, the Labour Court issued a recommendation that the parties should immediately engage and finalise outstanding issues to allow the implementation of the report no later than 1 January 2024.
MLSA Chairperson Máiréad Moynihan said medical scientists are highly frustrated and angered at the delay in implementing the independent report.
"This ongoing disregard by the HSE for medical scientists, and for the binding recommendation of the Labour Court, is no longer acceptable or tenable for our members," Ms Moynihan said.
"Industrial Action has been sanctioned unless meaningful progress is in place by the end of this week," she said.
"If we do not make sufficient progress on implementation of the Labour Court recommendation by 1 January 2024, notice will be served next week and the action will take place in mid-December, affecting all public hospitals across the country," she added.
The MLSA said ongoing unfair pay and conditions have contributed to a recruitment and retention crisis in the sector with up to 20% of approved posts unfilled in hospitals across the country.
The HSE said it has arranged to meet with the MLSA this week to continue discussions with the union.
"The HSE is fully aware of the effect that industrial action taken by medical scientists can have on the delivery of services across the health sector and is committed to finding a resolution to the matter through existing industrial resolutions, resolution machinery and national pay agreements," a spokesperson said.
The Department of Health said it is urging all parties to continue their engagement on the matter to ensure industrial action can be avoided in the interest of the health service and the public.
