Fórsa, alongside the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), the INMO, and SIPTU, is continuing to pursue the prompt payment of funds to workers in Section 39 organisations from the Health Service Executive (HSE). This is essential to fulfilling the terms of the Interim Pay Agreement that was negotiated last October on the eve of an indefinite strike. 

The HSE has attributed the blockage to a lack of information provided by the organisations involved.

Ashley Connolly, head of the health and welfare division said: “The delay in these payments is totally unacceptable, and we urge all management stakeholders to expedite the process without further delay.”

Last October a planned strike by community healthcare and social care workers, was put on hold after late-night negotiations resulted in an 8% pay offer. Employees from 19 organisations, such as the Irish Wheelchair Association, Cheshire Ireland, Ability West, Cobh Hospital, and Enable Ireland, were ready to picket but the coalition of unions agreed to recommend acceptance of a proposal agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission. 

This package entailed a 3% salary increase backdated to 1st April of 2023, with an additional 2% raise effective from 1st November, and a subsequent 3% increase as of 1st March 2024. 

In an update issued to members last week unions explained that at a meeting on Friday 5th April, the HSE said that they have been pressing for the information needed to facilitate the timely payment of funds. 

They also expressed disappointment with the rate of response and insisted that they have implemented all necessary measures to support the organisations concerned in completing the required processes. 

The HSE underscored the urgency for Section 39 organisations to engage promptly to expedite the funding process for payments.

“Further progress is expected this week, and we have a follow-up meeting with the HSE due to take place today, Friday 12th April, to assess developments. We will continue to press for payment of the agreed increases as soon as possible” finished Ashley Connolly.

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