Late last year, Fórsa members working for the HSE and Section 38 Voluntary Hospitals voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in response to the HSE’s recruitment embargo. Union leaders are warning that the ongoing strategy is placing services under significant pressure, with patient safety at risk.

The dispute at St Christopher's disability services in Longford ended before Christmas when over 90% of the 170 Fórsa members approved a revised pay deal. Work-to-rule action, which had started in mid-November, was suspended for the ballot, with results announced on December 18th.

Shaped by direct input from members through a detailed survey, the claim reflects your priorities and sets the stage for winning major changes in the workplace for clerical officers, grade 3 roles, and related grades.

Fórsa has urged Tánaiste Micheál Martin to intervene at the EU level to secure the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a leading Palestinian doctor detained by Israeli Defence Forces since 27th December. Amnesty International reports Dr. Abu Safiya is among hundreds of Gaza healthcare workers held without charge or trial.

Under Appendix A of Fórsa Rules, the NEC recently approved the increase of 7.25% to Fórsa’s membership subscription ceiling. Subscription rates remain unchanged. The union’s general subscription rate for 2025 is 0.8% of basic salary.

The conference looked at how to reshape the future of occupational health to make it more inclusive and effective for everyone.