Fórsa members in Dublin fire brigade gathered outside the Mansion House last week (Monday 4^th October) to protest the ongoing staffing crisis in the fire service.

Fórsa this week welcomed the Budget announcement of improved tax relief for heating and electricity costs that arise from home working. 

The Cabinet will meet next Tuesday (19th October) to finalise the Government’s approach to the proposed removal of Covid-related public health restrictions, originally planned for next Friday (22nd October).

Maintaining living standards against a background of rising living costs will be the priority in future pay negotiations, according to Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan. 

Public expenditure minister Michael McGrath has asked the Labour-Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) to explore the issue of recognition for workers who made exceptional efforts during the pandemic, including those who had high exposure to the Covid-19 virus.

The introduction of a four-day working week would decrease burnout, increase productivity, and establish a better work-life balance, according to Fórsa’s general secretary.

Public sector jobs have edged ahead of most private sector companies as employees’ top choice for 2021. 

Fórsa has expressed concern that over 350,000 pensioners could be hit with PRSI for the first time under new proposals from the Pensions Commission.

The head of Fórsa’s Health and Welfare division, Éamonn Donnelly, has urged people to get the flu jab as we head into the winter.