MIDWIVES and maternity support workers in the north are to take part in strike action next week over pay and conditions.
Members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will strike from 8am to 4pm on Friday September 22.
The members will also take part in industrial action short of striking by claiming payment for any overtime worked in the week following strike action.
The strike, which will take place across the north's five health trusts, comes after strike action was paused earlier this year to allow for talks with the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.
Read more: 'Burnt out' midwives back industrial action over pay as RCM board considers next move
A vote among RCM NI members in March saw 89 percent say they were prepared to strike, while almost 94 percent backed industrial action short of striking, based on a turnout of 55 percent of eligible RCM members.
RCM director for Northern Ireland, Karen Murray, said: "No midwife wants to strike but what choice do they now have?
"Midwives are deeply frustrated by the lack of any progress by policymakers and because of that they have been driven to take a stand for fair pay and safer care and maternity services."
The RCM has said the safety of women "will be the prime concern during any industrial action".
