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

The civil service action plan, which outlines reforms set out in the Building Momentum agreement, has been finalised.

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

Civil service overtime rates that were abolished, adjusted or reduced under the 2013 Haddington Road agreement are to be fully restored from 1^st July.

Remote working, flexitime, career progression, outsourcing and the Haddington Road hours are set to be big issues at Fórsa’s biennial civil service conference, which takes place next Friday (28^th May).

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.

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

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

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