Health workers vote for industrial action in staffing row

Health workers represented by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Fórsa and Unite have voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over staff shortages.

The unions have said that recruitment restrictions and the suppression of posts in the Health Service Executive (HSE) are putting services under enormous strain and are putting patient safety at risk.

Since last month, unions have been engaging in a series of lunchtime protests to highlight the issue.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said its executive council will consider the outcome of the ballot, where members voted 95.6% in favour, and will liaise with other health sector trade unions, who have balloted their members to decide on a united approach.

The Fórsa ballot was returned with 93.6% in favour of industrial action on a turnout of 60.8%.

The union's divisional executive will meet next week to discuss the result and to consider next steps.

"The ballot result illustrates our members' frustration and the challenges they're facing every day," said Ashley Connolly, Head of Fórsa's Health & Welfare Division.

"Our extensive survey of Fórsa members in health had already revealed the real struggles they are facing to deliver services," Ms Connolly said.

Unite said that an agreement with health service management means that unions will be required to give three weeks’ notice of industrial action.

"HSE management only has a short window to avert industrial action by rolling back the discredited 'Pay and Numbers Strategy’ and instead negotiate a safe staffing framework in the interests of workers and patients," said Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey.

The HSE has described the action as regrettable against the background of additional funding for the health service and increasing staff numbers.

It said that its 'Pay and Numbers Strategy’ has enabled it to stabilise its workforce numbers and has allowed it to increase staffing levels.

"The HSE awaits the outcome of the ongoing ballots and should there be a mandate for industrial action, we will consider the matter in the context of the Public Service Agreement, once we receive detail on the type of action proposed," a HSE spokesperson said.

"The HSE engages with all trade unions to resolve issues and will continue to do so, utilising the industrial relations mechanisms of the state, should it be required," the HSE added.