Fórsa and the INMO have advised HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster of the unions next steps to address ongoing difficulties with workforce planning by the HSE, and the elimination of crucial and previously sanctioned posts at the national health body, confirmed by the publication, last year, of the HSE’s ‘Pay and Numbers’ strategy document. 

Criticising the HSE’s failure to respond to multiple efforts by individual unions to resolve the dispute, since the introduction of the initial recruitment embargos in 2023 and 2024, the unions said the HSE has not yet “acknowledged or addressed the staffing deficits and the consequential issues arising.”  

To avoid further escalation of the dispute, the unions said the severity of the impact of staffing restrictions, and “the absolute necessity for effective and timely resolutions” should not be underestimated. 

Both unions have now sanctioned the establishment of joint organising committees (JOCs) within each of the six newly established health regions, which will be authorised “to engage with regional and local management to progress our member’s mandate.” 

These committees will be tasked with collecting and collating accurate information regarding vacant posts, maternity leave positions left unfilled, use of third-party contractors and more. 

Head of division Ashley Connolly said: “These local committees will be hugely important as we plan the next steps ahead of industrial action. We have sought this information from the HSE on multiple occasions, to no avail. We’ve been left with no option other than to collect and collate the information ourselves.”  

Members of Fórsa and the INMO have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. Both unions represent over 77,000 healthcare workers across numerous grades in the public health service. Other trade unions including Connect Trade Union, Unite and the Medical Laboratory Scientist Association have also voted for industrial action. 

The unions further advised that engagement on the substantive issues around pay and numbers “must be addressed nationally, and we expect that you and your senior HSE management team will prioritise this.” 

The unions advised Mr Gloster, who was appointed in 2023, that members continue to provide frontline services at a time of great need, but “are clear that the current approach to staffing is unsafe and unsustainable.” 

The unions also highlighted the current spend on agency staff - €750 million – “doesn’t hide the reality of significant gaps in service,” and expressed concern “that the HSE believes this is an appropriate approach and that business can continue as usual.”

National secretary Linda Kelly added: “The pressure on anyone working in the health system now is immense. From primary care to acute hospitals everyone is doing the very best they can.  

“But our members are crying out for help. They need our support now. A new Minister for Health has a huge opportunity to show our members they are valued and come up with a sustainable way to fill the vacant posts,” she said.  

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