A ballot of members working as perfusionists in five hospitals will take place later this month, beginning in the week of 23rd March. 

Members will be asked whether they are willing to take industrial action, up to and including strike action, as a result of the HSE’s refusal to implement a recent Labour Court recommendation concerning perfusionist remuneration.  

Perfusionists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who support the body’s vital functions during complex surgical procedures.  

In a letter to national secretary Linda Kelly, the HSE argued that the Labour Court recommendation would be ‘cost-increasing’ and, as such, should be dealt with through local bargaining.  

In her response, Linda “vehemently rejected” the contention that the recommendation constitutes a cost-increasing claim, reminding the HSE that the Labour Court did not accept that argument during the hearing and that its recommendation was “unequivocal”.

Linda went on to say that Fórsa’s position is that the employer imposed a unilateral pay cut on members, from 1st January 2024, when it failed to uphold the long-standing collective agreement linking perfusionist pay to medical scientists’ pay. An established and agreed pay linkage between perfusionists and medical scientists had been in effect since 1960.  

She also went on to say that proposing the recommendation be dealt with through local bargaining was “simply a delay tactic,” and informed the HSE that the union’s health and welfare divisional executive committee (DEC) had decided to proceed with a ballot. 

The five hospitals concerned have been notified that the ballot will take place. They are: the Mater Hospital, St. James’s Hospital, Children's Health Ireland, Galway University Hospital and Cork University Hospital.

If you are eligible to vote in the ballot, you will receive further details of the ballot in due course. 

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