Local Bargaining: Members shape health sector claims by Hannah Deasy
A key feature of Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, local bargaining is a process that addresses collective issues specific to a grade, group or category.
Fórsa has submitted several cross sectoral claims related to public service grades, associated with civil service grades. These claims cover members working in roles in the health services in grade 3 roles, or grade 4-7 roles. You can read more about those claims here and here.
Last week the union received indications from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform that engagement on these claims will begin soon.
The health and welfare division is now preparing sectoral specific claims for members. There are over 30 bargaining units in the heath sector. Consultation with members is a central part of shaping the local bargaining claims.
Head of the health division Ashley Connolly said: “It’s really important that members shape local bargaining claims related to their grades, so that the claims really reflect issues being faced by members.” There are currently four surveys open for Fórsa members in the health and welfare division.
They are for members working in the General Manager grade, the Assistant National Director grade, the Head of Service grade, and grade 8 roles in the HSE, TUSLA and Section 38 funded organisations. After the surveys close claims will be developed using members’ feedback. Links for all open surveys are below.
A claim has been submitted for clinical engineers, and surveys will soon issue to social workers, medical physicists and dosimetrists.
Following consultation with members, claims are in preparation for the following groups: biochemists, social care workers, members working in HSE dental services, HSE environmental health officers, HSE dental surgeons, hospital pharmacist technicians, education welfare officers, and members working in therapy professions.
National secretary Linda Kelly said: “We’ve been working with national professional committees (NPCs) to develop surveys for members, which has been a great way to ensure we’re shaping claims that will have a meaningful impact for members.”
Underlining the need to move the process forwards, Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said: “Local bargaining has the ability to address specific challenges and pay issues related to grades, groups and categories. We got it included in the agreement because we knew members needed a mechanism to address issues that have built up over time.”
“It’s essential that we begin formal discussion soon as implementation of local bargaining claims must begin by the 1st of September. This process was part of the Public Service Agreement negotiated last year, and it must be honoured.”
Open consultations
Are you a Fórsa member working in the General Manager grade in the HSE, TUSLA and Section 38 funded organisations? Complete this short survey.The survey will close at 5pm on Friday 13th June 2025.
Are you a Fórsa member working in the Assistant National Director grade in the HSE, TUSLA and Section 38 funded organisations? Complete this short survey.The survey will close at 5pm on Friday 13th June 2025.
Are you a Fórsa member working in the Head of Service grade in the HSE, TUSLA and Section 38 funded organisations? Complete this short survey.The survey will close at 5pm on Thursday 19th June 2025.
Are you a Fórsa member working in Grade VIII in the HSE, TUSLA and Section 38 funded organisations? Complete this short survey.The survey will close at 5pm on Thursday 19th June 2025.
Explainer video
If you’re still wondering what local bargaining all about you is can watch our new video explainer below.
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