Fórsa members across eight health and social care professions back industrial action ballot amid career pathway review dispute.
Fórsa members working in eight health and social care professions (HSCP) in the HSE and Section 38 organisations are to commence industrial action following the result of a union ballot on 14th August 2023 (Monday).
The union ballot, backed by 93.5% of members, covered eight professions (Dietitians, Orthoptics, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work and Social Care Work) working across the HSE and section 38 organisations.
Fórsa said the industrial action was a result of nearly five years without the implementation of a career pathway review and no meaningful discussions on clinical specialisms, advanced practise & management roles.
Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly said “Our members have engaged in good faith discussions with their employer since 2018 to create meaningful career pathways within the named professions. It is clear from this ballot result that members believe the employer’s approach to these discussions fall far short of what is required.”
Ms Kelly continued “Health and Social Care Professionals are a critical clinical staff group within the Health Service and central to the success of Sláintecare. Investment in career progression and promotional opportunities for our members is a necessity if the ambitious change programme set out by the HSE and Government is to be realised.”
Fórsa has said it will serve the required three weeks’ notice of industrial action to the employers with industrial action due to commence on 11th September.
The industrial action is likely to include a complete withdrawal of co-operation with third level student placements and education as well as withdrawal of engagement across the breadth of change programmes currently being progressed in all care areas within the HSE.
“Our members are committed, dedicated clinicians who simply want to be recognised for the vital role they have within the Irish Health Service. Given the growing level of vacancies within the HSCP cohort, the employer’s position is quite frankly bizarre,” Ms Kelly said.
Fórsa represents 30,000 health and welfare workers including health and social care professionals, clerical, administrative, management and technical staff.