Fórsa members working at St. Christopher's in Longford have served notice of industrial action, set to commence on Tuesday 28th May. The union served notice to management of the community disability service on Tuesday (7th). The industrial action will take the form of a work-to-rule.

In a letter to management of St Christopher’s, Fórsa assistant general secretary Tony Martin said: “The issues in dispute are clear, the employer’s unilateral decision to disregard the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) agreement, dated 2021 and inform our members that salary increments will not be paid as and when they fall due.”

The HSE requested that the payment of increments be suspended until further notice, as the health body said it was unable to provide the necessary funding. Tony said while it’s regrettable that members had been left with no option but to plan for industrial action, members would not tolerate the breach of an existing agreement.

The work-to-rule will mean that Fórsa members at St Christopher’s will not attend work outside of their contracted hours and won’t engage in planned overtime. In addition, Fórsa members will not take on any tasks, functions or duties associated with a higher grade, will limit their use of personal phones for work purposes and will cease the use of personal vehicles for work purposes.  

Tony advised that union representatives remain available to meet with management to discuss any necessary contingency plans.  He added: “We remain available for discussions to settle this industrial dispute. Management and the HSE need to understand the resolve of Fórsa members at St Christopher’s is strong, and that this action will commence in three weeks unless the matter is resolved,” he said.

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