FAO: Members working in the HSE

Dear members,

We are writing to you today to update you on your union’s response to the continuing situation in the HSE in relation to unfilled posts, which were suppressed in the HSE Pay and Numbers strategy, published this summer.

Following member consultation and extensive engagement, we will open a ballot of members for industrial action and organise lunchtime protests beginning next week.

This notice only relates to members working across the Health Service Executive and does not impact on members working in Tusla, or on our members working in the Voluntary Hospitals or Voluntary Organisations, otherwise known as Section 38s.

In July 2024, when the HSE finally published its Pay and Numbers Strategy, at the stroke of a pen, the HSE took the decision to suppress thousands of posts, or to use their language to "decommission" these positions. 

Our numerous requests for engagement with the HSE were all rejected. So, we began a process of engagement with members.

We received nearly 4,000 responses to the survey we ran in August asking you to tell us about the impact this situation is having in your workplaces.

You told us about your inability to deliver services, the extensive waiting lists that continue to grow, and the significant impact this is having both on you and on the people you  serve.

You were clear— this situation can’t go on any longer. 

Last week, at a very well attended workshop for Health & Welfare branches, branches again expressed their frustration in relation to the failure of the HSE to replace vacant positions. They relayed the harrowing experiences of our members across the country.

We took the opportunity to discuss how the union might respond, and the mandate was clear: We must work with our colleagues in the other unions and defend our members, through whatever means necessary. 

Whilst the HSE may maintain that the number of employees across the organisation has never been higher, the reality is that, against the backdrop of increased services and higher demands from an ageing demographic with more complex needs, the HSE remains under-resourced. The fact is, the HSE has entered a process of chaotic downsizing, with arbitrary decisions being made regarding the non-filling of critical frontline positions.

Our members' ability to deliver safe services has now been severely compromised.

In line with Fórsa’s rules, our Divisional Executive considered the options available to them. They have decided to conduct a ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action amongst our members working in the HSE in order to secure an acceptable review of the Pay and Numbers Strategy as set out by the HSE.

The ballot will commence on Monday 14th October and will conclude on Thursday 14th November. This will be an electronic ballot.

We will also organise lunchtime protests across the country in the coming weeks. Two locations have already been identified for next week's protests, and a further list of locations for the following weeks will be shared in due course.

Last December you turned out in your hundreds, and this year we will be joined by colleagues from the INMO, SIPTU, and other unions. 

We have a challenging time ahead, and it is more important than ever that we stand united in solidarity. The HSE must understand that the concerns of our members cannot be ignored or dismissed.

Let’s continue to show our collective strength and determination as we work together to make our voices heard.

In solidarity,

Ashley Connolly            Linda Kelly                               

Head of Division            National Secretary