Fórsa is to ballot local authority staff for industrial action in its dispute over the introduction of a job evaluation system for clerical and administrative staff.

Fórsa has said industrial action over the proposed transfer of 3,500 local authority staff to Irish Water is “almost inevitable” as poor engagement has left a “huge gap” between Government plans and the protections workers are seeking.

Ireland’s public service unions are working on a joint submission to the body set up to address the additional working time introduced for many public servants under the 2013 Haddington Road agreement.

Fórsa has called for an end to the sale of public land to private property developers. Speaking at the union’s local government and local services conference last week, its national secretary Peter Nolan said local councils could build homes at half the price of private developers, and should become the main providers of affordable housing in Ireland.

Over 95% of workers now favour some form of remote working according to the second annual national remote working survey, conducted by NUI Galway and the Western Development Commission.

Fórsa has written to the chief executives of all local authorities in Ireland to ask them to engage with four-day week pilot programmes. 

The Government has revised official Covid work safely guidance on ventilation, vaccinations and antigen testing following consultation with unions and employers.

Fórsa has called for workplace supports for sufferers of domestic violence and abuse, including paid leave and flexible working arrangements.

Fórsa has welcomed the publication of a National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) bulletin, which says Ireland could experience a productivity boost if remote working is embraced and well-managed at national and organisational levels.