Fórsa members working in dietetics, orthoptics, occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, social work and social care work are set to be balloted in a dispute over the employers’ failure to implement the career pathway review.

Health and social care professional (HSCP) members in the affected professions, working directly in the HSE or a Section 38 organisation will be asked to vote yes to commence industrial action, up to and including strike action in an electronic ballot, due to commence on Monday 3^rd July.

The decision was backed by a unanimous decision of the Health and Welfare Divisional Executive Committee (DEC) earlier this month, who are recommending that members vote yes.

Fórsa National Secretary Linda Kelly said the ballot was due to the “untenable position” of the employer.

“In 2018, as part of the Community Healthcare Organisation Agreement, the HSE agreed to establish a Career Pathway Review. Five years on, there has been very little progress for our members and several key issues are now in dispute between the HSE and Fórsa. We have been left with no choice” she said.

Ms Kelly questioned why the HSE would oppose the review in circumstances where there is a growing recruitment and retention crisis amongst HSCP staff.

“Thousands of members stand to benefit from this Career Pathway Review as it would bring enhanced career structures and promotional opportunities at every level of their profession. This will ultimately lead to much-improved clinical services for the public in all areas of the HSE. I don’t understand why the HSE as an employer won’t engage with us in a meaningful way to implement this review," she said.

In preparation, Fórsa has appealed to members to ensure their contact details are up-to-date to guarantee their voice is heard. Health and social care professionals have already received an email from the union asking members for their up-to-date contact information. If you have not yet received this email, Fórsa is asking members to email hwballot2023@forsa.ie with their employer, personal email and contact number.

In advance of the ballot, Fórsa is encouraging members to read this FAQ document.