FAQs – HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy Ballot

The Pay and Numbers Strategy cannot be allowed to be a ‘done deal’. HSE employees through their unions were not consulted and that must change. Staff deserve transparency and a voice in the decision-making process.

There is no point pretending the needs of this country aren’t growing. We must have realistic workforce planning that puts the right resources in the right places. We need more directly employed staff, rather than increased spending on agencies and private consultants.

The HSE has entered a process of chaotic downsizing, with arbitrary decisions being made regarding the non-filling of critical frontline positions. This must stop.

We need a health service built for patients and communities, that respects and supports the staff that make that happen.

Members working across the Health Service Executive are eligible to vote. On Wednesday 16th October the H&W DEC took the decision to extend the ballot to also include members working in Section 38 voluntary hospitals, who are now are also eligible to vote.

The ballot will commence on Monday 14th October and will conclude on Tuesday 26th November.

This will be an electronic ballot. You will be sent a unique voting code from Mi-Voice with instructions on how to vote. Here is a dedicated web page that contains detailed instructions on how to vote.

A ballot helpdesk will be in operation during the ballot and queries can be directed to hwhelp@forsa.ie

Yes. The union’s elected Divisional Executive Committee is calling on members to support this ballot to VOTE YES for industrial action, up to and including strike action.

After the ballot closes the Health and Welfare's Divisional Executive Committee will meet to consider the result and the next steps.

Members should note that if the result of the ballot is in favour of taking industrial action up to and including strike action, we are obliged to serve three weeks’ notice upon the employer of our intention to commence any form of industrial action.

• Go to any workplace information meetings arranged by your Branch Executive.
• Encourage your colleagues to participate also.
• Ensure you cast your vote as early as possible.
• Ask your colleagues who aren’t in the union yet to join Fórsa.

You should contact your local branch. If you are unsure of who to contact, please contact your closest Fórsa office:

• Cork 021 4255 210 forsacork@forsa.ie
• Limerick 061 319 177 forsalimerick@forsa.ie
•• Galway 091 778 031 healthwest@forsa.ie
• Sligo 071 914 2400 healthnorthwest@forsa.ie
• Dublin Head Office: 01 8171500 healthandwelfareinfo@forsa.ie

On Wednesday 16th October the H&W DEC took the decision to extend the ballot to also include members working in Section 38 voluntary hospitals, who are now are also eligible to vote.

If you work in any of the hospitals listed below you will be balloted. You will receive your Unique Voting Code from Mi-Voice next week.