Healthcare unions and HSE management are to meet at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) after unions sought an earlier-than-scheduled review of a staffing agreement reached earlier this year.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Fórsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association called off planned industrial action in March after the agreement was reached.
The deal included a commitment to prioritise maternity leave cover, greater consultation with unions on future staffing decisions and an increase in the conversion of agency posts to HSE jobs.
Under the agreement, employment ceilings set under the HSE's 'Pay and Numbers Strategy' would remain in place but promotion opportunities for existing staff within the health service would be prioritised.
Health unions said they believe the HSE to be in breach of the staffing agreement following confirmation that more than 6,000 posts remain vacant across the health service.
The INMO has accused the HSE of imposing significant restrictions on recruitment across each health region.
"To date in 2025, the HSE has increased the nursing and midwifery workforce by just 469 whole-time posts, a stark contrast to the average annual growth of 1,800 over the past five years," an INMO spokesperson said.
"This is truly shocking and dangerous for patient safety.
"A key part of this agreement was to ensure that maternity leave was backfilled, this is not happening," they added.
A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed that it will meet with unions at the WRC in respect of progress on the provisions contained in the agreement which has several components.
