Health Workers Vote Overwhelmingly in Favor of Industrial Action Over Staff Shortages

Health workers represented by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Fórsa, and Unite have voted decisively to pursue industrial action amid ongoing disputes over staff shortages in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The unions argue that recruitment restrictions and post suppression within the HSE are severely straining services and compromising patient safety. In recent weeks, union members have staged lunchtime protests to draw attention to the issue.

INMO members voted 95.6% in favor of industrial action. General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha announced that the executive council will review the results and work with other health unions to determine a unified course of action.

Fórsa members similarly voted 93.6% in favour, with a 60.8% turnout, and their divisional executive is set to meet next week to discuss the next steps.

Ashley Connolly, Head of Fórsa’s Health & Welfare Division, emphasized the growing frustration of members, citing challenges revealed in a recent survey of Fórsa health workers.

Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey noted that the unions must give three weeks’ notice of industrial action and called on the HSE to abandon its “Pay and Numbers Strategy” in favour of a safer staffing framework.

The HSE expressed disappointment over the potential industrial action, citing increased funding and rising staff numbers as evidence of efforts to stabilize workforce levels.

A spokesperson said the HSE would consider any proposed industrial action within the context of the Public Service Agreement and continue to engage with unions to address concerns.

Negotiations between unions and the HSE remain ongoing as the health service faces growing pressure to resolve staffing issues and avert potential disruptions.