Fórsa members working in HSE and Section 38 hospitals are being asked to vote in a ballot on industrial action, up to and including, full strike action. The ballot opened on Monday 14th October and will close on Tuesday 26th November. 

This ballot is being held in response to the impact of the HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy, which imposes a fixed employment ceiling on all areas, as well suppressing all posts that were vacant on the 31st December 2023. 

Head of the Health and Welfare division Ashley Connolly said: “For many months now we have sought to engage with the HSE on staffing levels. Last year we called for the recruitment embargo to be lifted and negotiated in good faith. Then, earlier this summer the HSE announced that they would lift the embargo to great fanfare, but what they didn’t say quite so loudly was that any job which has been vacant up to the 31st of December would cease to exist. In reality this is the embargo by another name.”

Ashley continued: “Members are under immense pressure and stress. In the survey we carried out this summer over 4,000 of you told us of low morale, severe stress, and that services are suffering due to lack of staff.” 

“We are at a point now where members feel their ability to provide services has been severely compromised.”

At the end of September, Fórsa’s Health & Welfare Divisional Executive Council (DEC) met to consider the options available to them, in line with Fórsa rules.

Following careful consideration of the survey results, including engagement with our branch representatives, they took the decision to conduct a ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action, and to recommend approval. This week the DEC decided to extend the length of the ballot, which will now run until Tuesday 26th November, and to extend the eligible voters to include members working in Section 38 hospitals.

National secretary Linda Kelly said: “You and your colleagues have turned out in huge numbers in the recent lunchtime protests, and you have made it very clear that you will not take any more of this. The stress and anger have been palpable. Now, we need you to take the time to vote in the ballot. High turnout will send a clear message to the HSE that our members stand united.”

The ballot is an electronic ballot, and members should have received their Unique Voter Code (UVC) to (UVC) by now, which is needed to access a ballot paper. If you haven’t received your code please contact hwhelp@forsa.ie. 

Director of membership Seán McElhinney urged members to cast their votes as soon as possible. He said: “It takes just seconds to have your say. While the ballot is on for a month, we’re keen to ensure as many members vote as possible, so the sooner you take part in the ballot the better.”

Seán also reminded members that talking to colleagues who aren’t in the union about the ballot can be an effective way to convince them to join. He said: “If your colleagues aren’t in the union yet talk to them now about how the outcome of this ballot could impact their working life for the better. It’s easy to join online, you can send them this link.”

A ballot hub is available with all the information you need, including a frequently asked questions document (FAQ) which you can read here. 

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