The escalation of industrial action due to begin on Thursday 11th of January, was suspended earlier this week. 

The successful #endthefreeze lunchtime protests in early December generated welcome support in the community, and significant regional and national media coverage. 

The next planned step for this industrial action, which is taking place in response to the ongoing health recruitment embargo,  was a nationwide rolling phone and email ban.
 
On the 5th of January 2024 Fórsa received an invite from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to attend a hearing next week, on the 17th of January 2024, in an effort to find a resolution to the long running dispute.

Fórsa’s Health and Welfare divisional dispute committee subsequently met and agreed to accept the invitation from the WRC. The committee also took the decision to suspend any escalation to allow the parties to focus on a solution.

Head of Fórsa's Health and Welfare division Ashley Connolly said: “ At this time of year we are all keenly aware of the vital role played by everyone who works in our health system. A resolution to this dispute must be found given the critical nature of the issue. Staff are not responsible for HSE overspend but they are paying the price.”

The ongoing industrial action, including the work to rule, continues. You can read the FAQ for this industrial action here. 

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.