Health workers represented by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Fórsa, and Unite have voted decisively in favor of industrial action, citing staff shortages as a critical issue.
Unions have raised concerns that recruitment restrictions and the suppression of posts within the Health Service Executive (HSE) are placing undue pressure on healthcare services and compromising patient safety. To highlight these challenges, workers have been staging lunchtime protests since last month.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha confirmed that with 95.6% of members supporting industrial action, the union’s executive council will collaborate with other healthcare unions to develop a unified strategy. Fórsa also reported strong support, with 93.6% voting in favor on a 60.8% turnout. Its divisional executive is set to convene next week to determine the next course of action.
“This result reflects the deep frustration and daily challenges our members face,” said Ashley Connolly, Head of Fórsa’s Health & Welfare Division. She pointed to previous surveys that highlighted significant struggles among health workers in delivering essential services.
Unite noted that under existing agreements, unions must give three weeks’ notice before initiating industrial action. Regional Officer Eoin Drummey urged the HSE to act quickly, saying, “Management has a narrow window to avoid industrial action by discarding the flawed ‘Pay and Numbers Strategy’ and working toward a safe staffing framework for the benefit of workers and patients.”
The HSE has expressed disappointment at the potential for industrial action, particularly in light of additional funding and increasing workforce numbers. It maintained that the “Pay and Numbers Strategy” has helped stabilize staffing and enabled growth.
“The HSE awaits the outcome of the ballots and, should industrial action be approved, will assess it within the context of the Public Service Agreement,” a spokesperson said. The organization also reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes through engagement with unions and state-led industrial relations mechanisms.
Sources: Media