Fórsa has finalised library workforce plans with Fingal and Wicklow county councils after reaching agreement under a national deal on library services brokered by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last June. The WRC agreement requires employers to match or beat 2012 staffing levels.

The union sought a higher staff complement in Fingal following the opening of a new library, and the introduction of additional services, since 2012. This was referred to the WRC, where it was agreed that seven additional posts should be put in place.

Over a dozen extra posts were sanctioned in Wicklow – again based on increased demand for services – following local negotiations, which started before the national library agreement was concluded.

Fórsa official Una Faulkner welcomed the outcome. “These staffing levels reflect the improved and expanded library services that members in the Municipal Employees and Local Government divisions are providing, and also hold out the prospect of better career opportunities for staff,” she said.