Fórsa has commenced a ballot of hospital pharmacist members working in acute hospitals. The ballot, which closes on Thursday 10th September, is for the approval of a range of proposals to revise career structures. It follows a WRC conciliation process that sought to implement the 2011 McLoughlin report, and a follow up composite report in 2017.
Fórsa official Catherine Keogh said the proposals contain significant and immediate gains for hospital pharmacists. These include a shorter pay scale, an enhanced career structure, additional specialist and new senior posts, in addition to greater protections on the issue of weekend services, out of hours and extended working days.
Catherine added, “Both Fórsa and the Hospital Pharmacists Association of Ireland (HPAI) executive are recommending acceptance of these proposals, which will apply to hospital pharmacists. “It is a significant set of proposals and has a lot to offer hospital pharmacists. The 2011 McLoughlin report was the first review undertaken since 1978, which was when the current grading structure was agreed, and while various factors have delayed us getting to this point, it is significant that the decision now rests in the hands of our pharmacist members, so we are urging them to cast their ballot as soon as possible,” she said.
Ballots and information packs are currently being distributed. Ballots should be returned in the envelope provided by post to Fórsa, no later than 5pm Thursday 10th September.
Interactive online information sessions have been arranged by Fórsa to give members an opportunity to put questions to the Fórsa/HPAI negotiation team. The first took place this week (Wednesday) and was attended by 183 participants. Catherine and the union’s head of Health and Welfare Éamonn Donnelly responded to more than 100 questions from attendees.
A second webinar will take place next Tuesday (8th September) at 1pm. Invitations containing a link to join the webinar will issue to members by email on Monday.
As the proposals currently only directly affect hospital pharmacists in acute settings, those working in community settings will not be balloted at this time. However, at the webinar meeting this week, Catherine gave a commitment to all members working as hospital pharmacists in community settings that, should these proposals be accepted, a follow-on claim will immediately be lodged with the HSE on behalf of these members. A separate meeting for Fórsa members working in the community will be arranged in the coming weeks.
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