Fórsa is running a survey for Land Development Agency (LDA) staff, aimed at strengthening the union’s understanding of workplace issues and promoting the benefits of union membership.  

Union members who work in the LDA are members of the Services and Enterprises division of the union, however workers in the LDA regularly work with local authorities and the civil service, so we’re asking you to please share this survey with anyone you know who works in the LDA.  

The survey can be accessed here and is open to all LDA staff, even if they haven’t joined the union yet.

Fórsa has been engaging with the LDA to formally establish an agreement that would allow the union to represent members on collective matters such as pay, terms and conditions. However, the employer is currently refusing to agree to this, and Fórsa has sought the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). 

Fórsa official David Field said, “It’s been a frustrating number of months trying to engage with LDA management to establish normal industrial relations within the company. Management has been avoiding a meeting and refusing to allow us to enter the workplace to meet with our members and potential members.” 

“We have been engaging with members remotely and off-site to ensure we can answer any questions they may have, and we want to deepen our understanding of workplace issues with the launch of this union survey for all LDA staff.” 

David continued: “Fórsa has a broad membership across local authorities, state agencies and private sector employments, and represents a diverse range of professions, including planners, architects, engineers, management, inspectors and administrative staff. We assist our members and activists in negotiating improvements to their pay, terms and conditions and delivering real wins for workers. We want to help our members in the LDA achieve similar improvements in their workplace, something that management is unfortunately trying to obstruct.” 

Fórsa national secretary, Katie Morgan said, “It is disgraceful that a state-funded body is refusing to recognise the union for collective bargaining. The employer may think that stopping officials from entering the premises or refusing to meet the union will stop the workforce from organising, but we will continue our efforts to support members and LDA staff.” 

“We’re asking all Fórsa members who liaise with LDA staff, or know them personally, to share the survey with them and offer messages of support and solidarity.” 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.