Over the last number of months, SIPTU Health Division members were engaged in a series of workplace actions aimed at resolving a dispute arising from the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy.
Thanks to our members strength and resolve an agreement was brokered at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) between management and the unions confirming key commitments on the use of direct labour, replacing current posts and expediting the approval process.
Following the unanimous endorsement of the document by the SIPTU Health Divisional Committee, Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “Our members are glad to put this protracted dispute to bed but the reality is that the ball is firmly in management’s court now. Consultation must mean consultation and we will hold the employer to account on that.”
He added: “Whether it be current staff numbers, grades, areas and activity levels, our members deserve transparency and must be able to contribute in a meaningful way to workforce planning into the future. They are the ones doing the job, on the ground every day and that needs to be respected.”
Other measures secured:
- Commitment to expediting the backfill of maternity leaves using direct labour, or if unavailable, agency staff.
- HSE will offer all HSCP, Psych Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery graduates a permanent post in 2025 and uphold this commitment for 2024 graduates.
- The HSE will examine the wider application of the insurance based assault at work scheme for all grades. This will bring the scheme to all grades other than nursing as currently applies.
- The HSE commits to engage with all trade unions on the development of a workforce plan for Children’s Hospital Ireland.
- The HSE commits to the establishment of a number of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion posts to support all staff across all grades.
- The HSE reaffirms its commitments to the Public Service Agreement as do the trade unions. A review of this document will be undertaken under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in six months.
A national meeting of unions with the HSE and Department of Health has been agreed to discuss the contents of the agreement and plan the next steps.