Dozens of SIPTU health workers have staged a picket outside Tuam Primary Care Centre in Galway over the HSE's new 'Pay and Numbers Strategy.'
It was one of three protests with the others in Cavan and Sligo.
SIPTU Sector Organiser Damian Ginley said the new recruitment policy will have a "detrimental" impact on services.
He said members are concerned that despite record levels of investment in the health service, many key front-line roles are still left vacant.
"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."
SIPTU health care worker, Irene Tiernan is protesting in Tuam. She said that without adequate staffing, the HSE is jeopardising the quality of care that patients receive.
"We are here today because of our members. They are your friends, your family, your neighbours. They are feeling the impact of this policy firsthand already.
"They are expected to take on longer hours with more responsibility and overwhelming workloads. This situation is unsustainable and unacceptable. Workers are going "above and beyond" every day, but their ability to provide high-quality care is being compromised."
She said a lack of action now will sow the seeds of a health crisis that will affect patients and workers alike.
"We need a system that values its workforce, a health care service that meets the needs of our communities.
"We are standing here today not just for our members but for every home that is touched by sickness.
"We're calling on the HSE to listen, to act and to commit to a recruitment strategy that will secure the future of health care in Ireland."
