25 Perfusionists' Strike Threatens Surgeries Next Week Over Pay Dispute
A strike by 25 Fórsa perfusionists across five hospital groups is set for June 9 over a pay dispute. The union accuses the HSE of breaking a pay link and ignoring a Labour Court recommendation. This action could lead to surgery cancellations next week.
A planned strike by 25 perfusionists, members of the Fórsa trade union, could lead to the cancellation of surgeries next week. These cardiovascular specialists are responsible for managing the heart-lung machines used during surgical procedures.
The 25 Fórsa members, who work as perfusionists across five hospital groups, are scheduled to commence a series of work stoppages on Tuesday, June 9. The dispute centers on pay, with the union accusing the Health Service Executive (HSE) of unilaterally severing a long-established pay link between perfusionists and medical scientists. Fórsa further stated that the HSE has declined to implement a Labour Court recommendation, issued in January of this year, to reinstate this link.
Fórsa has also indicated that the HSE has not initiated discussions regarding contingency planning or patient safety measures in anticipation of next week's industrial action. Linda Kelly, Fórsa National Secretary, commented, «Fórsa served notice of this action two weeks ago and has been available to meet the HSE in line with agreed dispute resolution frameworks, but no such engagement has been sought.»
Ms. Kelly added, «It is unacceptable that, with industrial action due to begin next week, there has been no attempt to engage to consider derogations to mitigate the impact on patient care, much less to resolve the matters in dispute.» The HSE has been contacted for comment.