HSE clerical staff to strike

Fórsa members working in clerical and administrative roles in the HSE are to commence industrial action following the result of a union ballot on 10th August 2023 (Thursday).

The union ballot, backed by 93.3% of members, was prompted by the HSE’s decision, in July, to halt all recruitment of clerical and administrative staff. The union said the HSE is increasingly relying on agency staff and external private consultants instead of investing in upskilling and training its existing workforce or promoting them into vacant roles.

Fórsa said it has served the required three weeks’ notice of industrial action to the HSE. Industrial action will commence in early September.

Fórsa national secretary for Health and Welfare Ashley Connolly said: “Our members are protesting the HSE’s carelessness in blowing vast sums of money on external consultants – last year alone it spent €180m – and its decision to reign in spending by transferring the burden onto its clerical and administrative staff.

“Last month the HSE informed the union that it was implementing a full pause on recruitment in the clerical admin stream, from Grade III and above. The effect of this decision is to starve hospitals and primary care centres of essential support staff, and to place the additional workload on existing staff.

“In the context of its lavish spending on external advisors, and the existing pressures on clinical staff, the decision to restrict the recruitment of clerical and administrative staff will mean clinical staff won’t have the support they need as they respond to growing service demands. Crucial posts will be left unfilled, and the burden will shift to existing staff,” she said.

Ms Connolly said the industrial action will initially take the form of non-cooperation with financial reporting, non-engagement in relation to all elements of the new regional health areas (RHA), non-cooperation with financial management systems, non-cooperation with any proposal on extending the working week, in addition to no voluntary working outside of contracted hours, but that the mandate from the union ballot includes the option of full strike action if it becomes necessary.

She added: “Clerical and administrative staff play an absolutely vital role in ensuring the smooth running of health services. Contrary to perceptions, the proportion of clerical and administrative staff in the HSE is low, accounting for around just under 20% of the overall workforce, while at the same time providing crucial support to clinical staff.

“The HSE’s reliance on agency staff is an expensive and unsustainable solution. Its failure to invest in the upskilling and development of existing staff is a missed opportunity to strengthen this part of its workforce.

“Our members are taking this opportunity to drive these points home to the employer. Every one of them is committed to the delivery of excellence in their workplace, but they are dealing with an employer that seems intent on devaluing their contribution,” she said.

Fórsa represents 30,000 health and welfare workers including health and social care professionals, clerical, administrative, management and technical staff.