Fórsa will ballot health and social care professionals (HSCPs) for industrial action if the health department proceeds with the recruitment of a chief nursing officer (CNO) on the basis of the current job description, and prior to appointing a specific HSCP advisor to the department.

Fórsa’s health team recently reached agreement on the introduction of an HSE standard operating procedure (SOP) for assessing the needs of children with disabilities, in order to protect health and social care professionals (HSCPs) from failing to comply with their legal obligations under the Disability Act (2005).

Fórsa members employed by the National Council of the Blind in Ireland (NCBI) and Delta services CLG in Carlow took part on a one-day strike last Friday (21st February) marking the latest phase of the union’s campaign for pay justice in independent organisations that rely on State funding to deliver vital health and care services.

Tens of thousands of childcare educators and providers joined parents earlier this month to protest about the high cost of childcare and low pay in the sector. Over 60% of childcare educators in Ireland earn below the living wage, while parents pay some of the highest fees in Europe.

The average gender pay gap in Ireland has risen to 14.4%, according to the most recent estimates from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The 2017 figure – based on the latest available data – compares to a significantly lower gap of below 12.6% during the recession.

Catering and household staff at St Patrick’s hospital, who are represented by Fórsa, have secured terms and conditions including specific protections and union recognition at talks in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

It’s unlikely that further exploratory talks on a pay deal to succeed the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) will take place before a new government is formed. Fórsa had been leading union efforts to negotiate a new accord prior to this month’s general election.