Around 1800 medical scientists, whose work includes carrying out Covid-19 tests, have warned of possible industrial action in a long-running dispute over pay.
The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association says that since 2002, they have been seeking pay equality with scientists working in biochemistry labs, who they claim earn up to 8% more for doing "identical" work.
The MLSA describes this disparity as "grossly unfair". Their members are employed in public voluntary hospitals, HSE hospitals, private hospitals and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, and carry out critical diagnostic tests.
MLSA Chairperson, Kevin O'Boyle said: "There is palpable anger and unrest in laboratories all across the country and the likelihood of industrial