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Health officials have been accused of arriving empty handed to talks with unions regarding the possibility of “tangible recognition” for workers in their frontline battle against Covid-19.
Talks took place at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Thursday but according to the representative bodies, the HSE “had no offer to make”.
“Morale in the health service is extremely low. There needs to be some hope of genuine reward for frontline staff,” said Tony Fitzpatrick, chairman of the National Joint Council of Health Sector Trade Unions, which includes eight separate organisations.
“Other governments have recognised their healthcare workforce’s contribution meaningfully – yet here we are forced to fight for it.”
Elsewhere
Unions have sought some form of special recognition for healthcare staff since late 2020 and have pointed to employers in France, Northern Ireland, Denmark and “elsewhere”, who have offered staff bonuses or pay increases in recognition of their work over the past year.
Mr Fitzpatrick highlighted a recent comment made by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, when asked if he would support a financial bonus in Ireland. He said: “I want to see something done, yes, I absolutely really do.”
“I think our healthcare teams have been incredible. We are still fighting the fight, but I definitely want to see some form of recognition for the extraordinary work that they have all put in.” The Minister did not offer specifics, however.
The unions have referred the matter to the Labour Court. The HSE could not be reached on Thursday night for comment on union claims regarding what they felt were fruitless talks.
Mr Fitzpatrick said that despite his comments last week, Mr Donnelly “sent his officials to talks empty handed”.