ICTU president and Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan led the trade union delegation at last week’s meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, as unions made a strong case for the need for very substantial assistance to help all workers, including public servants, cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

Congress’ Public Services Committee (PSC) received written confirmation last week from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that, if accepted, the current pensions increase policy - of maintaining parity between the pay of serving staff and pensions - will be extended for the duration of the new pay agreement.

A series of comprehensive information meetings about the public service pay deal ballot are being hosted around the country by union officials.

The meetings provide an opportunity for members to find out more details and to ask questions. Details of upcoming meetings are available HERE. 

Fórsa has set up two dedicated inboxes to help answer any questions you might have on the ongoing ballot or the proposed pay deal.

Fórsa cabin crew members at Aer Lingus are currently taking part in a ballot on a proposed addendum to a December 2021 agreement.

Fórsa has tentatively welcomed the approval of a 2% increase to current An Post pensions, following an what has been described as an “inordinate delay” in sanction by Government.

Fórsa has told management at An Bord Pleanála that a referral to the Workplace Relations Commission is now necessary as a dispute over what the union has described as “unilateral outsourcing of our members work” at the planning body.