Dear Member, 

Yesterday you would have seen media reports that the HSE has sought the intervention of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to your dispute on the HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy.  This invitation was only formally received yesterday afternoon.   

In line with the rules of Fórsa, your Divisional Executive Committee met this morning (25th) to consider the invitation from the WRC to attend talks aimed at resolving the current Pay and Numbers Dispute in the HSE and HSE funded hospitals. Other Unions in dispute have also received a similar invitation which is being considered by the relevant executive of each Union. 

The invitation was accepted by your Divisional Executive Committee on the proviso that it did not contain a precondition that the Industrial Action planned to commence on Monday 31st March be stood down. 

While we will attend the talks in good faith and in pursuit of a resolution – the industrial action has not been called off. 

There are only 3 working days left before Industrial Action commences therefore it is important that all members familiarise themselves with the instruction and raise any queries with your local representatives before next Monday.  Local dispute committees are being stood up and will be on site to offer assistance from Monday 31st March. 

To assist members a website hub has now been created on forsa.ie. The hub will house information in relation to the dispute and will be the home for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This will be updated in real time as we progress through the dispute.  

The success of this industrial action rests on all of us working together. Only if you and your colleagues follow the union instruction together can you have an impact.  

Get involved by  

1. Printing the instruction, keeping it with you and sharing with colleagues.
2. Talk to your colleagues about why you’re taking industrial action. If they’re not in the union, they won’t be protected during industrial action so tell them how easy it is to join – www.forsa.ie/join 
3. Attend a workplace meeting so you get all the information you need.
4.  Build visibility – wear your Forsa lanyard and the dispute badges that will be distributed soon. 

Yours in solidarity, 
  
                                                                 
Ashley Connolly                                                                              Linda Kelly   
Head of Division                                                                              National Secretary