Good morning delegates,

Registration reopened at 8.30am this morning for any branches that did not get a chance to register yesterday. Only principal delegates should register. 

All branches should also collect their new NEC ballot papers.

A reminder that all conference documentation can be found here.

There is also a helpdesk for delegates located next to registration.

Deputy General Secretary and head of the Civil Service division Éamonn Donnelly will address conference at 9.50am this morning. Then motions on a wide range of issues will be brought to the floor covering industrial relations, outsourcing, equality, diversity and family friendly policies. 

A fringe meeting on effective political lobbying will take place at 1pm in the Veranda suite. The session will provide attendees with expert advice on tools and tactics for effective lobbying. More details are here. 

If you would like to attend, please register by 11am at this link or at the helpdesk. Lunch will be provided.

In the afternoon Distinguished Service Awards will be presented, and motions will be heard on pay related matters, grading, work practices, competitions and staffing.

After a busy day of business, delegates will have ample opportunity for downtime at the conference dinner, which takes place at 8pm.

“Rooted in solidarity and shaped  by change” - Highlights of Day 1

In her opening address to conference outgoing Chair Helen Linehan welcomed delegates to conference and underlined the importance of the debates ahead, saying: “These decisions will shape our policy positions and negotiating priorities. But they will also help to shape the everyday experience of thousands of members working across the Civil Service — people whose professionalism, integrity and commitment provide solid foundations to the functioning of the State.”

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan addressed delegates providing an overview of the recent history of public service pay negotiations and explaining the importance of local bargaining. He said: “Local bargaining is vital. It is essential to ensure fairness and equity for our members. Fórsa has lodged claims that could impact pay for tens of thousands, following extensive consultation with members.”

He then went on to tell delegates that Fórsa expects negotiations on these claims to take place in good faith. On the timeline he said: “The claims won’t all be settled by next September, but we do consider that date of 1st September as sacrosanct for the beginning of the implementation of local bargaining.”

Betty Tyrell Collard received a Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Life Membership of Fórsa. Thanking her for her service Kevin talked about Betty’s many elected roles including Vice President of Fórsa, President of the CPSU, President of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions and as a member of the ICTU Executive Committee. He also noted that in 51 years of service Betty saw 42 Ministers come and go from her Department.

Thanking delegates, Helen Linehan, the DEC past and present, and Kevin, Betty said “This division is my home, and it was always my home. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years, and I’m delighted that there’s a new generation of people coming through to represent members.”

“It’s working for members, it’s working for services, it’s working for the State"

Blended working dominated debate on Wednesday afternoon. Delegates spoke at length about how blended work has impacted their lives for the better, and how morale is drastically impacted when requests to work from home are unfairly refused. Delegates also emphasised the contribution of blended working to society and the State.

Gary Fagan of DSP Executive branch told delegates that blended working had become an essential part of how many in the Civil Service operate. He said: “It's our responsibility to ensure that these arrangements are secured in the long term. It's working for members, it's working for services and it's working for the State. We must stand for evidence-based policies, not a rushed return to outdated ways.”

Olasubomi Oyenuga, from the Longford clerical general branch, said blended work was about respect, fairness, and the kind of civil service we want to build. She talked about the punitive and unfair manner in which blended working requests are sometimes responded to, and urged delegates to support the motion saying "We must protect the progress we’ve made—and go further."

Cathal Kelly of the Finance, Per and Associated branch cited survey research by his own branch, which found four-fifths of those with caring responsibilities, if they were required to work an additional day in the office, would have to make changes to care provision arrangements in the morning before traveling to work. Most respondents said additional office-based work would have a negative impact on their productivity.

Motions on blended work all passed, as did motions on mobility, the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Bill and a new strategy for the division called Playing Our Part – Together. You can read it here.

Finally, check out photos of the first day of conference here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.