Fórsa’s health and welfare divisional executive committee met on Wednesday, 5th March 2025 and agreed that Fórsa will serve notice of industrial action in the HSE and Section 38 hospitals on Monday,10th March. 

Three weeks’ notice is required of any industrial action in the health service.  

In November, Fórsa members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in response to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers strategy (PNS), which replaced the recruitment embargo.  

The ballot came during a wave of protests around the country where members spoke movingly about the impact reduced staff and resources has had on their working lives, on patients, and on the services they deliver. These protests brought together health service workers from several unions, many of which also held ballots in late 2024. 

Last Thursday 27th February, Fórsa and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) held a meeting bringing together workplace reps and activists. At the meeting, Joint Organising Committees (JOC) for each health region met for the first time, appointed chairs and secretaries, and began to develop localised strategies for industrial action.  

Head of the health and welfare division of Fórsa, Ashley Connolly said: “This is a new approach and one that we believe will have a significant impact in the weeks ahead. Crucially it will provide us with the localised information on vacant posts and staff shortages that the HSE have refused to provide.” 

National secretary Linda Kelly said: “The HSE has consistently refused to engage with us in relation to the Pay and Numbers dispute. It’s time to show them what happens when our members stop covering up the cracks in the HSE’s chaotic approach to workforce planning.” 

“The people working in the health service aren’t just numbers. Without them there is no health service. Members are advocating for the resources that are desperately needed to provide the services people desperately need.” 

If you have any queries, please contact your branch executive or official in the first instance. Further updates to members will issue on 10th March. 

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