Discussions aimed at agreeing an ‘action plan’ for health sector reforms are expected to be completed within the next two weeks. The action plan will outline measures to be implemented under the reform provisions of the new public service agreement, Building Momentum.

The union has told the employers that the new deal presents an opportunity to build on the spirit of flexibility and commitment shown by health staff and other public servants during the Covid-19 emergency. But it says the short duration and modest pay adjustments in Building Momentum are also relevant to the scope of proposed changes.

Fórsa’s head of health Éamonn Donnelly, who recently concluded a redeployment agreement with the HSE, said there was an opportunity to build on some of the innovative ways of working developed during the pandemic. “But this doesn’t mean agreeing policies on reassignment and redeployment that are necessary during a national health emergency but unnecessary in normal times,” he said.

The agreement, which requires management to consult with unions on action plans in each sector, acknowledges public servants’ “unprecedented display of commitment, flexibility, hard work and agility in public service provision” during the pandemic.

It commits the parties to harness this momentum to meet challenges like the continuing response to Covid-19, returning to normal health service delivery, keeping schools open, establishing best practice on remote working, and addressing digitisation.

As well as modest pay adjustments this year and next, Building Momentum includes a process to address the so-called ‘Haddington Road hours,’ with money set aside next year to fund changes to working time for those affected.

The pay provisions are strongly skewed towards the lower paid, with higher percentage increases for those earning less than €50,000. The deal also includes a sectoral bargaining provision, worth 1% of pay, and strong protections against outsourcing.

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