HCAs Have Your Say – SIPTU’s Election 2024 Survey

Yesterday, October 29th was the International Day of Care and Support. It’s a day that we take stock and honour the resilience and dedication of care workers across the globe.

From those who care for the elderly to those providing vital health services in our communities, care workers are at the heart of our society’s wellbeing.

It is also a day that we look to the future.

That is why SIPTU, the Union of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in Ireland, is launching our Election 2024 Survey.

We what to hear about the big issues are impacting HCAs. The survey will inform our Union’s campaign priorities in the upcoming general election; and beyond.

SIPTU represents almost 20,000 HCAs in both public and private healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and in the community.

By standing together, SIPTU members have campaigned for; and won, real benefits for healthcare workers in Ireland.

Please take two minutes to fill out our survey here. You don’t need to be a member of SIPTU to participate.

Together, we are stronger.

SIPTU members to protest HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy in Cavan, Sligo and Tuam tomorrow

SIPTU and colleague health unions will continue the campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy this week.

Following several protests in the last two weeks, SIPTU will hold further lunchtime protests this week. A key issue of concern for SIPTU members is staffing levels, with the HSE’s employment census data demonstrating that many key, front-line roles have not benefitted from record levels of investment in the health service.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Our members are calling on the HSE to withdraw a policy that is blocking the proper staffing of essential services in our health system. This policy is an overreaction to concerns about spending, and it is causing real harm.”

Ginley added: “We want to engage with HSE management about staffing needs when they arise, not face a situation where managers are restricted by a rigid policy, even when there is a clear, demonstrable need for more staff.”

Union members at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Vote to Accept Pay Proposals

SIPTU’s Health Division have today, Friday, October 11th, confirmed that union members working in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) have accepted new pay proposals by an overwhelming majority.

The agreement, which will run until October 2026, provides for an annual 3% increase to basic pay, with a minimum payment of €1,500 in 2024. The proposals also state that all staff with over six months service with the RCSI will receive a €1,000, tax-free voucher in 2024; and includes increases to annual leave and bereavement leave entitlements. The employer has confirmed that that the payments for 2024 will be processed in October.

SIPTU Organiser, Peter Ray, said: “This pay deal, and improvements in terms and conditions, clearly demonstrates the importance of being in a union. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a workforce stands together in solidarity. Thanks are owed to all shop stewards in the RCSI university for their support and commitment on behalf of union members in their workplace.”

The employer has confirmed that that the payments for 2024 will be processed in October.

SIPTU escalate campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy

SIPTU will escalate the campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Number Strategy with further protests this week, highlighting member concerns that the policy will have a detrimental impact on services.

The protests come following demonstrations last week.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said; “Our members have real concerns that services are suffering due to a lack of investment in key areas. As a union that represents a multitude of grades within the health service, we are seeing that certain areas are being left behind in terms of adequate staffing.”

“The HSE’s current policy on recruitment does not make sense, he continued. “Health service recruitment should be based on what is right and appropriate to be able to provide a safe service for our communities. That is why we are calling on the HSE to reverse its position with regards to recruitment.”

“We are also seeking a safe staffing framework for all grades and areas of the health service.” Mr Ginley concluded.

Safe Staffing for all

SIPTU members protest the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy

SIPTU members today held a demonstration calling for the HSE to end the recruitment embargo, as allowed for under the its Pay and Numbers Strategy.

The demonstrations took place outside Cork University Hospital and Dr. Steeven’s Hospital in Dublin, the HSE’s headquarters.

It comes after SIPTU addressed the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee on Wednesday morning, highlighting concerns about staffing deficits in care grades, support grades, radiation therapy, diagnostics and the National Ambulance Service.

SIPTU were joined at the demonstration by the INMO and Fórsa.

Protests are set to continue next week in a number of other locations.