Fórsa has welcomed last week’s announcement that the Government has accepted an independent body’s recommendation that public service employees’ working time should be restored to pre-austerity levels with effect from 1st July.

Public expenditure minister Michael McGrath has said he will raise the issue of public service pay and inflation with the Cabinet within the next fortnight, and that he then expects talks with unions to get underway.

Fórsa and other health unions have written to the HSE and health department seeking immediate engagement on concerns about how the Covid bonus payment is to be made, including qualifying and appeals criteria.

Fórsa members in the community and voluntary sector will join Siptu and INMO members in a national day of protest on Tuesday 3rd May in response to what the unions describe as the “neglect and underfunding” of community sector services.

A civil service arbitration baord has ruled on a disagreement between Fórsa and management on how the accrual of flexitime for those with blended work arrangements should be piloted.

New legislation that will give parents and other carers five days of unpaid leave for their caring responsibilities was signed off by Cabinet earlier this week. The work-life balance bill will extend leave to workers who need to take time off to provide personal care or support to a relative.

ICTU president and Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan will join representatives of the Government, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and employers’ bodies’ to mark ‘workers’ memorial day’ on 28^th April.