SIPTU is returning to the Workplace Relations Commission tomorrow for further talks in the health support staff pay dispute.
The talks are expected to include officials from the HSE, The Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
A SIPTU spokesperson said that, at this stage, three further strike days planned for next week are expected to go ahead.
Around 10,000 health support staff took to the picket lines for their first 24-hour strike this morning.
10 thousand health support staff including porters, cleaners and catering staff have gone on strike at 38 hospitals across the country pic.twitter.com/u9PGJPawBt
— Stephen Murphy (@StephenMNews) June 26, 2019
Chefs, cleaners, porters and maternity care assistants are among staff that are walking off the job and onto picket lines at 38 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.
The dispute is over a job-evaluation scheme - and what SIPTU says is a failure to implement pay rises for the staff.
Contingency plans are being put in place - but thousands of inpatient procedures, outpatient appointments and surgeries are expected to be cancelled.
Now: Message is loud and clear from health workers from St James Hospital to Sligo General Hospital. @morningireland
“Give us #payjustice Paschal or face a summer of discontent.” #PayJusticeStrike pic.twitter.com/BviTwGkiUs— SIPTU (@SIPTU) June 26, 2019
Patients have been told to bring their own sandwiches with them to hospital visits as a strike by thousands of health care workers gets underway today.
Hospitals have warned there will be no hot meals due to limited catering facilities.
The Limerick Hospitals Group which represents 6 of the 38 facilities affected says people will be served soup, salads and sandwiches rather than a full meal service.
