Fórsa is poised to enter talks with the HSE on the next phase of pay restoration for staff working in ‘section 39’ agencies, which are funded by the HSE but independent of it. The talks will address agencies that weren’t covered by the first phase of pay restoration, which was secured by the union last year.

Last year’s deal, which resulted in €1000 payments for workers in 50 organisations, is due to take effect from 30th April.

Fórsa official Ian McDonnell said the union was committed to completing the process of pay restoration for workers in the community and voluntary sector. “Both parties are due to reconvene in the WRC on 18th April to discuss the remaining 250 funded organisations. We’re expecting the HSE to provide details of those organisations on or before that date so that no group is excluded,” he said.

The 50 organisations involved in the first phase of pay restoration are all required to return validation paperwork to complete the pay restoration process. “In addition to a comprehensive list of the remaining 250 organisations, we’re expecting confirmation that those first 50 have completed the pay restoration validation process,” said Ian.

Full restoration for all Section 39 workers is due to be completed by October 2021. Fórsa has continued to develop a strategy for organisation and recruitment in the sector, in order to boost the union’s negotiating strength for staff in the funded agencies.