The absence of agreement between unions, Government and employer representatives on practical measures to expand the range of free and affordable public services is undermining the national response to Ireland’s cost of living crisis, according to Fórsa.

Fórsa has called for a fundamental review and reform of working time and working patterns across the economy. 

Just 1% of employees have the protection of a menstrual health policy in their workplace, according to a survey published by Fórsa last week. 

Public expenditure minister Michael McGrath has said the Government is willing to go beyond the pay terms in the Building Momentum public service agreement. But added that this must be done in a “balanced” way.

A new study has ranked Ireland among the worst European countries when it comes to paid maternity leave.

Delegates at Fórsa trade union’s conference in Killarney last week gave their unanimous backing to a motion calling for statutory paid leave for victims of domestic violence.

Fórsa is to step up its campaign for expanded State service provision and a “best-of-class” social wage including free health care at the point of delivery, access to free or affordable childcare and early years’ education, social housing worthy of the name, enhanced local services and accessible high-quality education.

Fórsa’s president has criticised the Government’s approach to giving workers the right to request remote or blended working. 

Michael Smyth, who was re-elected as Fórsa’s president at last week’s biennial delegate conference, looked to the future as he addressed delegates in his opening speech to conference.

Delegates at Fórsa’s national conference unanimously backed a motion that called on the union to maintain its practical humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine.