This morning conference resumes at 9.30am, with voting in the election for president opening at the same time. Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan will address conference at 9.45am.

At 10.15am Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), and Fórsa member, will address conference. Ahead of the European elections this June, she will speak about how important these elections are for the 45 million workers across Europe that the ETUC represent.

There is a heavy agenda of motions for delegates today, beginning with motions on pay in the morning, followed by internal union organisation in closed session, and international policy in the afternoon. 

Later on in the day Daniel Bertossa, general secretary of Public Services International (PSI) will also address conference, at 14.15pm.

Visit the conference hub for all documentation. 

Following a stunning performance by singer Tolü Makay, conference got underway with outgoing President Michael Smyth's address, adoption of standing orders and motions on housing.

Michael’s speech emphasised the importance of how we all connect to one another, saying "Connection lies at the heart of everything we do as a union. From fostering connections between members and their representatives to building relationships with other unions and civil society organisations, we continue to strengthen those bonds." He noted that Fórsa is "now a greater force to be reckoned with – more so than at any other time in our shared history." 

Michael ended with a moving rallying call to delegates, calling on members "Let’s help to make life what it should be for every human being."

Last night's conference motions on housing got an airing on the RTÉ website and substantial coverage in the Independent, which captures some of the contributions on the housing motions last night, quoting Ger McLoughlin and her very personal account last night of her son's experience.
 
Kevin Callinan spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about new entrants pay, which RTÉ's Brian O'Donovan covers this morning in his conference preview, while Éamonn Donnelly will be on the Adhmhaidin programme on Radio na Gaeltachta later this morning.
 
In other conference coverage, the Independent previewed the Fórsa conference in Killarney in yesterday's edition, leading with motion 15, by the Finance, PER & Associated Organisations (Clerical and Execuitve) branch, to pursue an additional long service increment.
 
The same piece in the Independent includes comment from the general secretary on last night's housing motions, and comments by NEC member Ursula Cox who will propose the NEC motion (35) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tomorrow morning.
 
In the debate on housing Fórsa activist Anne Marie Ryan, from the Westmeath health and welfare branch, called on delegates to support the union’s active engagement with government to advocate for “a meaningful and workable resolution to the housing crisis. We want the union to fight for stricter regulations on landlords, developers and commercial funds to ensure fair and affordable housing options for all workers,” she said.

Helen Linehan, from Fórsa’s Cork general clerical branch, said her branch had brought its motion to the conference because so many of her younger work colleagues were still living at home with parents or contemplating emigration because they could not find a home.
Ms Linehan said too many members in civil and public services continue to struggle with high rent costs, and are forced to live further away from their work in order to find more affordable accommodation: “The current situation cannot continue. Workers cannot afford escalating housing costs, and this poses a genuine threat to our public services,” he said.

She called on delegates to support a motion calling on the union to engage with the Government to find housing solutions, including rent controls, State provision of affordable and subsidised housing or the acquisition of housing for civil and public sector workers.

The union’s Municipal Employees branch sought support for the union’s pursuit of “a move back to public and social housing” while the union’s Justice Executive branch sought for the union to establish working relationship with the CATU tenants union and support its campaigns, universal public housing and anti-eviction efforts, and to campaign for more protection for tenants within the current Residential Tenancies.

All motions on housing passed, and the first day of conference was rounded off with Distinguished Service Awards, celebrating the contributions of members who go above and beyond for their colleagues and the union.

Fringe meetings provide a great forum to discuss and learn about topics that aren't on the formal Conference agenda.  There are two fringe meetings taking place today, Thursday 16th May. They are:

• Have you joined your union yet? Key recruitment lessons in The Brehon 2

Last year was an extraordinary year for membership growth. The Membership Unit invites you to join us to celebrate the work of our branches and divisions about how we’re about to take things to the next level in 2024 and beyond! Click here for more details.

• The Skills Academy mentoring programme launch in The Brehon Suite

The Fórsa Skills Academy are excited to announce the launch of our new Mentoring Programme. After a short pilot which ran from February to April this year, the programme will be officially launched at this fringe event, chaired by Helen Sheridan, vice president and chair of the training subcommittee.

Join us to hear from mentors and mentees share their experiences. Speakers with outline future plans for the programme, as well as explaining how branches and workplace representatives can participate in it.

Both fringe meetings take place in The Brehon hotel, which is located next door to the INEC where conference is taking place, and lunch will be provided for attendees. 

From 9.30am, three therapy dogs, Zorro, Daithi and FiFi, will be onsite at the INEC accompanied by their handlers Katie and Deirdre. The dogs are from My Canine Companion. They’ll be with other exhibitors in the Mangerton Suite, which is just next to the registration desks on the way into the conference hall. 

There will be a number of other exhibitors who are here with us today and tomorrow.

Fórsa will be well represented with stands where you can visit to meet staff and members. These include the Skills Academy, the youth network, the campaigns unit, branch supports network, the membership unit, and the retired members group.

Skellig Jam, a family run business based in Ballinskelligs, will have a stand. They have been making jams, marmalades and sauces since 2020. 

Íon Organics will have a stand. Visit Liz to hear about her organic herb farm in Kerry where she makes a range of natural skin care products including creams, balms, oils, soaps and much more.

Public Service Friendly Society a non-profit organisation based within the civil service and approved public bodies will be present. The Society is a confidential service that provides financial assistance and advice to its members in times of need. 

The Glennon Car & Home Team at Arachas who provide exclusive insurance benefits and discounted rates to Fórsa members are ready and waiting to help members. Visit Matt & Catherine at their stand to enter a competition to win up to €500 off your car or home insurance.

Start Solar Ireland will also be running a stand. They are an international renewable company with over 12 years of experience in developing bespoke solar solutions, project management, innovation, finance options and helping the development of the local industries and have offered Fórsa a wonderful prize to be raffled off for charity. The prize is a 4.35KWP battery ready Solar PV System, valued at €7,500. Comprising 10 all black Jinko 435w panels & Solis 3.6kw Hybrid inverter. The prize includes full supply and installation.

It's just €5 to enter the prize draw, all proceeds from which will go to Feileacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support). Start Solar is also offering all Fórsa members a €500 discount of a Solar PV system anywhere in Ireland. If interested in a FREE no obligation survey for your property - just email killianm@startsolar.ie with REF: to Forsa.

Visit the Membership Unit stand to talk to the team about how to grow your branch and improve member participation in union life. Ann, Khalid, Ricky, and Seán will be there to welcome delegates who want to talk about union building and branch data.

Hacketts Design & Printing are available to discuss any professional printing requirements delegates may have, and they're also running a competition.

Dubco will be present. An industrial credit union, open to members who work in local authorities, in the education sector and in state agencies, they provide savings, loans and mortgages as part of their service to members. 

Ronan & Stephen at the Cornmarket stand would be delighted if you called to their stand. They can answer queries on salary protection, pensions, AVC, financial planning, and car, home and health insurance.

Our members are our union's strength. Watch the Conference 2024 video featuring members from all our divisions talking about what you have achieved over the past two years. A huge thanks to Florie, Noreen, Richard, Deirdre, Hazel, Robert, Paula, Mark, Mick, Christina, Helena and Linda for taking part.