Government Affirms HSE Must Adhere to Agreements with Unions
Unions have confirmed that no unilateral changes will be made to the rosters of thousands of healthcare workers, following discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The talks reaffirmed that an existing framework agreement governing work practice changes remains in place.
Trade union Fórsa announced after Thursday’s meeting with HSE management that any modifications to work schedules must be negotiated under established agreements.
Earlier, a senior Government minister had insisted that the HSE must operate within these agreements. Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders’ Questions, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee emphasized that the Government “expects and insists” the HSE adhere to framework agreements when implementing any changes.
Concerns Over Extended Work Hours
Unions have raised concerns over the HSE’s reported plans to extend the core working day from 8 AM to 8 PM and introduce a five-day workweek across seven days. These changes would affect healthcare staff appointed or promoted since December 2008.
According to The Irish Times, HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster informed senior management that regional managers had the authority to implement roster changes for this group with just two weeks’ notice.
However, Fórsa warned of strong opposition to any unilateral enforcement of new working hours, stating that there would be “an appropriate response” if the HSE attempted to implement changes without consultation.
Political and Industrial Response
Independent TD Séamus Healy strongly criticized the HSE’s approach, calling Gloster’s directive an “aggressive, maverick, and bully-boy diktat.” He argued that such actions breach industrial relations practices and violate the agreement between the HSE, staff, and unions.
In response, Minister McEntee reiterated the Government’s stance, stating, “The HSE must, will, and always will work within the relevant framework.” She assured that proper dispute resolution mechanisms exist to address any issues.
Call for Investment in Hospital Staffing
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has advocated for full implementation of the new public-only consultant contract. She has also called for more consultants to be rostered on-site during weekends to facilitate quicker patient discharges.
However, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) countered that consultants are not the barrier to extending healthcare services over the weekend. Instead, they emphasized the need for significant investment in staffing and infrastructure to support any expansion of routine hospital services.
Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly stated that the HSE has yet to present specific proposals for extending services, highlighting the need for further discussions and clarity.
