Mayo paramedics on strike to seek union recognition

HSE ambulance personnel are holding strike action at their Sacred Heart Hospital unit in Castlebar today to seek management recognition of their trade union.

Pickets will remain in place at the location until 5 p.m.

At the centre of the dispute is the ongoing refusal by the HSE to grant their union, NASRA, and its 600 members negotiating rights.

The spokesman for the Castlebar workers, Bertie Dowling, said it is a very frustrating and unacceptable situation.

Today's strike action is being conducted under the banner of the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA).

Mr. Dowling said they have been receiving great encouragement and support from members of the public throughout the day.

Plans are in place to deal with emergency situations during the course of the strike action.