Thomas Pringle
Ceist:69. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the efforts made to date to resolve matters between the HSE and a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50834/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 December 2018
Ceisteanna (69)
Freagraí scríofa
The union which is recognised by the HSE as representing ambulance grades is SIPTU. The Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA), which is a non ICTU affiliated union, have negotiating rights for nurses working in psychiatry and intellectual disability sectors. The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA), which is affiliated with the PNA is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights for HSE ambulance staff. The HSE can only engage with recognised unions with negotiation rights. This approach is in keeping with Government policy. Indeed, the principle of engaging only with recognised trade unions has been acknowledged previously by the Labour Court in a dispute involving the PNA but with a different public sector employer.
Whilst individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, HSE ambulance staff who choose to join an association which is not recognised by their employer should be aware that such membership is not facilitated by their employer.