As discussions and engagement on cross sectoral local bargaining claims continue between Fórsa and the Department of Public Expenditure, the union’s health and welfare division has lodged numerous sectoral specific claims.

The claims have been formulated following extensive engagement with members of specific grades and professions. Surveys have been carried out and national professional committees have given input where appropriate. 

There are over 30 bargaining units in the heath sector. 

Head of the health division Ashley Connolly said: “The roles undertaken by people working in health and welfare are very diverse and that’s reflected in the division’s membership too. Ensuring that members had their voices heard in the development of claims was important, so we began a process of consultation.  As a result of this consultation, the claims were developed and finalised.  Most claims have now been submitted, and we hope bargaining will begin soon."

National secretary Linda Kelly said: “The engagement from members throughout this process shows how much progress has stalled for most professions since the crash in 2008. It’s time now to address these issues and make progress on key pay and career structure asks.”

Claims have been submitted on behalf of the following groups: 

•    Grade III
•    Grade IV – VII
•    Grade VIII
•    General Managers 
•    Heads of Function / Services
•    Assistant National Directors
•    Audiology
•    Clinical Engineering
•    Dosimetrists
•    Therapies – (Dietitians, OT, SLT, Physio, Orthoptist, Podiatry)
•    Hospital pharmacy technicians
•    Dental Nurses & Senior Dental Nurses
•    Dental Hygienists
•    Educational Welfare Officers

Meetings are scheduled to take place throughout September with remaining groups to finalise claims for submission.   

A survey of Fórsa pharmacist members working in the public health service (HSE and Section 38 hospital/organisations) is now open and will close on Thursday 18th September. 

Tell us what matters to you as a pharmacist when it comes to pay and terms and condition of employment by completing this short survey.

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