Perfusionists on picket line over pay at UHG as Fórsa blames HSE for dispute
Four perfusionists were joined by colleagues on a picket line at University Hospital Galway as they commenced industrial action today.
The cardiovascular specialists are members of trade union Fórsa who claimed the HSE has allowed a dispute with perfusionists to escalate unnecessarily.
A total of 25 Fórsa members working as perfusionists across five hospital groups began a series of work stoppages on Tuesday in a dispute about pay and the HSE’s failure to implement a Labour Court recommendation. Four are based in Galway.
Further stoppages are planned for next Tuesday and Wednesday (June 16 and 17).
Perfusionists are highly specialised cardiovascular professionals who play a critical role in life-saving cardiac and complex surgical procedures.
According to Fórsa, the dispute arises from the HSE’s unilateral decision to break a long-standing pay link between perfusionists and medical scientists, and its subsequent refusal to implement a Labour Court recommendation, issued in January, which directed that the link be restored with retrospective effect.
Michael Kerrigan, Fórsa Assistant General Secretary who works in the health division in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, confirmed UHG staff were providing emergency cover.
Routine procedures for today – and two days next week – will be deferred, resulting in longer waiting lists, he said.
Mr Kerrigan said there was a “simple solution” to the dispute – and that was for the HSE to implement a clear Labour Court recommendation.
Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly said the situation should never have reached this point.
“Our members have shown considerable restraint and professionalism throughout. They are now taking action to secure the implementation of an agreement that has already been independently adjudicated.
“It is unacceptable that the HSE has allowed this situation to escalate, particularly given the critical role perfusionists play in patient care,” she said.