“It is simply unacceptable that the HSE would break this pay relationship in the first instance, and then that they would disregard a Labour Court recommendation is even more shocking.” – National Secretary Linda Kelly
Fórsa members working as perfusionists in five hospitals will begin work stoppages on the 9th, 16th, and 17th of June because of the HSE’s continued refusal to implement a Labour Court recommendation on pay.
Background
Perfusionists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who operate heart-lung machines during life-saving surgeries.
For over sixty years, their pay has been linked to that of Medical Laboratory Scientists through an agreed arrangement dating back to 1960. However, in 2024 the HSE broke this long-standing link, resulting was an effective pay cut for members.
In January, the Labour Court unequivocally recommended that the established pay relationship should be restored. Despite this, the HSE has refused to implement it, arguing that doing so would increase costs and should instead be addressed through local bargaining. The Labour Court had already considered and dismissed this argument.
Following this refusal, the Health and Welfare Divisional Executive Committee balloted members for industrial action.
Members in the Mater Hospital, St James’s Hospital, Children’s Health Ireland, Galway University Hospital and Cork University Hospital were asked whether they were prepared to take action, up to and including strike action. The result of the ballot was unanimous in favour.
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