A ballot of over 300 members working as dental nurses and dental hygienists, in both community settings and in hospitals, has opened. 

The ballot opened on Thursday 23rd July and closes at midday on Thursday 6th August. 

Members are being asked to vote on a proposal for standardised annual leave.

The proposal was reached following a campaign by members, and conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). It sets out standardised leave arrangements that would replace the wide variety of local arrangements currently in place.  

The proposal allows for 26 annual leave days for dental nurses, and 28 annual leave days for senior dental nurses. Hygienists would be allowed 26 annual leave days, while senior hygienists would have 28 annual leave days. 

Urging members to vote, Fórsa assistant general secretary Tony Martin said: “For this proposal to become reality, members need to accept it by ballot. Please take the time to vote and encourage your colleagues to do so as well.” 

Any member who is eligible to vote should have received an email with ballot details, a secure link, and a Unique Voter Code (UVC) by now. If you have not, please contact hwhelp@forsa.ie immediately.

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