Fórsa has reminded members working in HSE services that their rights and protections on extended services are clearly outlined in an agreement reached earlier this year.

In June, Fórsa issued a memo to members advising that no automatic change to working hours can take place without engagement with staff and unions, and that if services or rostering arrangements are to be altered, management must follow a clearly defined process.

An agreed principles document was issued to members at that time with the recommendation that members print and save the document in case it would be needed at a future date.

Head of division Ashley Connolly said: “It is vital that management adhere to this agreement and forward any proposals for consideration. No changes should be implemented without the correct procedures being followed.” 

“If you are approached by management about changes to your roster or hours, contact your Fórsa workplace representative immediately for advice and support.”

National secretary Linda Kelly said: “It is important that you and your colleagues have a voice in this process. That’s what the framework agreement provides for and that’s what we fought hard to protect. Now is the time for staff teams to come together and consider their response collectively to any management proposals on extended services.”

The agreement was reached following several weeks of negotiation between health unions and the HSE. You can read it here.

For staff employed before 16th December 2008, and who have not been promoted since, there is no obligation to accept changes to your working arrangements. Any changes must be made on a strictly voluntary basis. 

For those employed after that date, or who have been promoted since, you may be asked to consider new roster arrangements, but only after the full procedure in the agreed document has been followed. 

Where local disagreements arise, the agreement provides for a formal disputes process. This includes referral to a Joint Review Group, and if necessary, to an independent adjudicator. Critically, any proposed service extensions must be based on safe staffing levels.  

The HSE had initially proposed changes that would have undermined long-standing protections set out in the 2008 Framework Agreement. Fórsa and other health unions were clear that these would not be accepted. The agreement ensures that staff protections remain in place and that any proposed changes must be negotiated through the agreed industrial relations process.   

You can view and download a copy of the agreement here.

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