In response to the unions' release, the HSE said that Bernard Gloster has asked the HSE's National Employee Relations Service to request the Work Relations Commission to intervene in the threatened industrial action.

This marks an escalation in the dispute over the effect of the HSE’s ‘Pay and Numbers Strategy’ which imposed a fixed employment ceiling across all health services.

Both unions represent over 72,000 healthcare workers across numerous grades in the public health service are now in the planning stage of a dispute.

Fórsa is calling on the next government to introduce pay increases which go beyond rates of inflation.

Siptu and Fórsa agreed pay rises of 12 per cent with Aer Lingus in recent years, but the deals include a clause where they can go back to the airline if another group of workers secures a better deal

The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association met on Tuesday to consider the proposed 17.75% wage rise

Tens of thousands of passengers have been affected by 270 flight cancellations so far.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Mark Tighe said pilots did not want to be in this situation, but it was the “level of corporate greed” in Aer Lingus that had led to the current dispute.

Government officials were finalising the proposals of the financial package which amounts to €3.6 billion spread over four budgets

A ballot for industrial action at the ICTU health group of unions took place after Workplace Relations Commission talks collapsed in July