Healthcare unions have suspended a planned work-to-rule that was due to begin tomorrow after agreement was reached in a dispute over staffing numbers. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Fórsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association made the announcement following the conclusion of 25 hours of talks with HSE management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). From tomorrow, 80,000 health workers were due to commence a work-to-rule in healthcare settings across the country. On Thursday, members of the INMO and Fórsa were planning to engage in a one-day strike at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. The planned action has now been suspended and union members will be balloted on the deal agreed with the HSE. The unions said that the proposals seek to develop and improve recruitment processes and workforce planning. Under the agreement, maternity leave cover in the health service will be prioritised, there will be greater consultation with unions on future staffing decisions and an increase in the conversion of agency posts to HSE jobs. Employment ceilings set under the HSE's Pay and Numbers Strategy would remain in place but the agreement will prioritise promotion opportunities for existing staff within the health service. In a statement, the HSE said services will operate normally throughout the country tomorrow following the WRC agreement. HSE chief Bernard Gloster said the deal would provide 'clarity' for healthcare staff. The INMO's Phil Ní Sheaghdha said they wanted assurances that safe staffing was 'an immediate priority' for the HSE. Fórsa's Ashley Connolly said time was now needed to consider the proposals. Eoin Drummey of Unite said they are satisfied that there is now a set of proposals that may bring about a resolution to this dispute which will be subject to a ballot of our members. Brian McAvinue, Connect Trade Union said that its members have faced many challenges since the introduction of the HSE's recruitment moratorium and subsequent Pay and Numbers Strategy. Kevin Figgis, Divisional Head, SIPTU Health Division, secured a robust set of proposals which will now be brought to their national committee for consideration. The IMO said it will consider the terms of the agreement to determine if they adequately address the concerns of doctors in the context of delivering safe care and tackling long working hours. The Irish Patients' Association welcomed the suspension of the broader industrial action but expressed concern about the ongoing work-to-rule by the Psychiatric Nurses Association. Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill has welcomed the agreement.

Healthcare unions suspend planned industrial action

Healthcare unions in Ireland have suspended a planned work-to-rule and one-day strike after reaching an agreement with the Health Service Executive (HSE) regarding staffing numbers and workforce planning. The agreement includes prioritizing maternity leave cover, greater consultation with unions, and increasing the conversion of agency posts to HSE jobs. The HSE chief stated that the deal provides 'clarity' for healthcare staff.