Dear Member, 

Earlier this year the HSE brought proposals to the National Joint Council in relation to Extended Services. Fórsa, along with other health trade unions, considered the initial proposals and were adamant that proposals seeking to reduce or remove protections already achieved through the 2008 Framework Agreement would not be accepted. 

Over the course of several weeks your representatives have negotiated with the HSE and a final principles document is now agreed. This can be viewed here.

What should you do next?

This principles document will be circulated today to local managers. You are strongly advised to download and save this document so that you know what protection exists for you in any local discussions regarding extended services. 

As you will see from the document, it does not mean all services will be automatically changed. 

Where a service is considering changes in rostering arrangements and working hours, the HSE is required to engage in a process with staff and their trade union.  

For staff employed before 16th December 2008, and who have not been promoted after that date, there is no obligation to change your existing working arrangements, unless you agree to do so on a voluntary basis.

 
For staff employed after 16th December 2008, or who have been promoted since this date, where the service is changing, you may be requested to change your roster. This can only happen when the procedure outlined in the attached principles document has been followed in full.

What happens if you and your colleagues disagree with the proposals? 

Where there is disagreement between staff and management over extended services, there is a disputes procedure which consists of a referral to a Joint Review Group. If no agreement is reached through this group the next step is to refer the dispute to an independent adjudicator, who will issue a recommendation on the changes. Any proposal to extend services must be based on maintaining safe staffing. 

Who do I contact if I want advice about proposals given to me?

If you are approached by management regarding extended services, you should contact your local branch representative in the first instance. 

Yours sincerely, 

Ashley Connolly                                                                              Linda Kelly   
Head of Division                                                                              National Secretary  

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