The Irish Times reports that unions (including Fórsa) have warn of potential industrial action at Section 39 agencies. It follows a meeting between unions, the HSE and the Department of Health yesterday: "Fórsa said the position of the Department of Health and the HSE was “disgraceful”, that they were “dragging their feet” and that the process of finding a resolution could, as a result, be delayed for months." Read the full report here.

Elsewhere, Fórsa is quoted in the same paper in a story about Cabinet approval yesterday for a series of forestry sector reforms aimed at reducing a logjam in the processing of appeals of tree felling licence applications. The union said the legislation was welcome but needed to be passed within the timeframe outlined, and welcomed the additional resources allocated to the Forestry Appeals Commision (FAC).

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has announced that it has withdrawn from the Government-established Low Pay Commission. The group’s general secretary announced last night that the move was prompted by revelations that other members of the commission would not propose an increase for 2021 beyond 1%, equivalent to 10 cent per hour. The national minimum wage currently stands at €10.10 per hour. The Journal reports on it here.

Tweaks to the social welfare system could allow those on the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) to do some work without losing out on their payment. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that the PUP system is being reviewed by Government and that any changes will target the sectors of the economy worst hit by the pandemic.

The Examiner reports on the aviation sector’s fears for the future of the state airports arising out of the pandemic. Aviation sources have said critical decisions on international travel and possible state supports for the airports are required within the next 14-days as airlines finalise decisions on next year’s international routes into and out of Ireland. It comes just days after Ryanair restated its intention to close its bases in Cork and Shannon for the winter season unless the government eases international travel restrictions.

More than 1,400 Bank of Ireland staff have applied for voluntary redundancy, exceeding the number of job cuts that the lender is targeting over the coming years. The company is offering four weeks’ pay per year of service, in addition to statutory two weeks.

Today’s zen is a digital submission to this year’s Culture Night from award-winning choreographer, Emma Martin. “I Am Ireland” features a specially commissioned arrangement of traditional music inspired by Sean O'Riada, with vocals from Irish RnB artist, Soulé and has been described as “playful, rebellious, joyful and bold, but which nevertheless celebrated Irish culture in all its tradition and diversity,” and you can watch it below. Enjoy!