Fórsa and other unions are continuing their efforts to pursue the implementation of Labour Court recommendation for fair redundancy payments for former staff of the Sisters of Charity, following the union’s advice to accept an ex-gratia settlement of €3,000 (per qualifying employee) as a “gesture of goodwill” from the religious order, following the closure of three care home locations earlier this year.

Union official Seán McElhinney said the union wanted to ensure the former staff would have the opportunity to receive the payment before Christmas, in a note to members to advise on how to apply for the payment before the 10th December deadline.

“The energetic members’ campaign for a fair redundancy, has already secured the offer of Sisters of Charity. While the offer falls short of the recommendation of the Labour Court, it is a testament to the resolve of our members that we have achieved such an offer, and have the opportunity to bank it just ahead of Christmas.

“While Fórsa remains critical of the Sisters of Charity, we must now advise members to indicate their acceptance of this offer. The negotiators want to ensure that we enhance, as far as possible, the statutory terms which were paid by liquidators earlier this year. More is needed, and the HSE must come back to the table to play its part,” he said.

The offer by the Sisters of Charity followed a sustained protest in October by former staff as unions sought the implementation of Labour Court recommendation for fair redundancy payments.