25 Perfusionists Strike at 5 Hospitals Over Pay Parity, 14 Surgeries Cancelled
Approximately 25 perfusionists at five major hospitals are striking Tuesday over a pay parity dispute, causing 14 surgery cancellations. The Labour Court recommended backdated pay increases, but the HSE has not implemented them. Fórsa calls this a unilateral pay cut, while the HSE seeks further engagement.
Approximately 25 perfusionists at St James’s, the Mater, Crumlin (CHI), Cork University Hospital, and Galway University Hospital are striking on Tuesday. This Fórsa-organised stoppage is due to a pay dispute, leading to the cancellation of 14 surgeries, including two paediatric procedures. Emergency cover will be provided, and affected patients have been informed.
The dispute centers on restoring pay parity with medical scientists, which Fórsa claims was broken two years ago. Historically, perfusionists' pay was linked to medical scientists' pay since 1960. However, when medical scientists received a 2024 pay increase after winning a parity case with biochemists, perfusionists did not.
The Labour Court backed Fórsa's position, recommending the increases be backdated to January 1, 2024, stating the HSE unilaterally breached existing agreements. The HSE acknowledged the historical link but argued it was severed and that the claim was cost-increasing, prohibited under the Public Service Agreement (PSA). They suggested using the PSA's local bargaining element for increases up to 3 per cent.
Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly stated the HSE's failure to implement the recommendation is a unilateral pay cut. The HSE maintains commitment to engagement to avoid further industrial action.