Health and social care professionals are to go on strike next month following a ballot by their union, Fórsa.
HSE and Section 38 workers including dietitians, orthoptics, occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, social work and social care will strike on September 11.
The industrial action was supported by 93.5% of union members.
Fórsa said the industrial action was a result of nearly five years without the implementation of a career pathway review and no meaningful discussions on clinical specialisms, advanced practise and management roles.
Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly said, "Our members have engaged in good faith discussions with their employer since 2018 to create meaningful career pathways within the named professions. It is clear from this ballot result that members believe the employer's approach to these discussions fall far short of what is required."
"Health and Social Care Professionals are a critical clinical staff group within the Health Service and central to the success of Sláintecare. Investment in career progression and promotional opportunities for our members is a necessity if the ambitious change programme set out by the HSE and Government is to be realised."
The union will serve the required three weeks' notice of industrial action to the employers.
The industrial action is likely to include a complete withdrawal of co-operation with third level student placements and education as well as withdrawal of engagement across the breadth of change programmes currently being progressed in all care areas within the HSE.
"Our members are committed, dedicated clinicians who simply want to be recognised for the vital role they have within the Irish Health Service. Given the growing level of vacancies within the HSCP cohort, the employer’s position is quite frankly bizarre," Ms Kelly said.
