Conference resumes this morning at 9.30am. It’s a jam-packed schedule for the day, so delegates are encouraged to be on time.

The day is scheduled to open with the panel discussion, The State of Local Government in Europe and Globally, and Opportunities of Remunicipalisation, featuring international speakers from Public Services International and the European Public Services Union.

This will be followed by an address from Richy Carrothers, head of Local Government and Local Services Division, and motions on empowering local government, blended working and housing.

The morning session will be wrapped up by guest speaker Dr. Lorcan Sirr, TUD Senior Lecturer in Housing, who will deliver an address ‘Home Truths: defining the housing crisis.’

Lunch is scheduled to begin at 1pm. Delegates will have the option to join us for a fringe meeting on Strengthening Fórsa and Improving Member Services in the Glencar Suite, at the rear of the Health and Welfare Conference Hall. Lunch will be provided for delegates attending. If delegates wish to attend this fringe, they should register at the helpdesk or online here. 

The afternoon session is scheduled to commence at 2pm, with guest speaker Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Mayor Derry and Strabane District council, kicking things off with an address titled Local Authorities: Driving the Change for Community and Social Integration.

Motions on campaigns, policy, and library services will follow, with a panel discussion, Libraries and the Far-Right, to round out the day’s proceedings.

The day’s work is scheduled to finish at 5.30pm, giving delegates plenty of time to prepare for the Gala dinner which will begin at 8pm.

There is a shuttle bus service available for delegates commuting from other hotels in Letterkenny, timetable here.

Highlights from Day One: Keep it Public, Keep it Local

Conference opened with surprise performances from local artists Without Willow, and poet Valerie Bryce. Bryce’s impassioned call for unity and understanding through her recitation of her poem Solidarity Song received rapturous applause. Without Willow enthralled with their set, earning cheers and whoops for their rendition of “There’s power in a union.”

Cathaoirleach Mick Whyms paid tribute to members Liam O’Brion, Kevin O’Malley, Pat Considine, and Vincent Savage, as they step down from the DEC. He praised their commitment as being “second to none.” He said” I want to thank them for their years of service and wish them well. Though they are stepping down from the DEC I’m sure they will stay involved, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Kevin O’Malley took to the stage to pay tribute to Al Butler, former national secretary of the division, and Tom Browne, longstanding activist and leader, who he described as “giants of the trade union movement and particularly this union.” Kevin also paid tribute Emmanuel Famiola and Matt Siband, lamenting the tragic loss of their young lives in nearby-by Buncrana earlier in the week.

Motions concerning pay and conditions were presented, with a number passing including Kerry Health and Local Government’s call to remove the anomalies in the payment for overtime in the local authorities sector, and Kildare Local Government’s motion technicians’ pay and career structures.

“The power of the workers, the power of the collective made this possible.”

National secretary Richy Carrothers had a significant announcement for delegates with a last-minute addition to the agenda. Just before delegates were scheduled to vote on motions concerning job evaluation, Richy took to the stage to announce a major advancement in the over 15 year-long fight for a job evaluation scheme for the local authorities sector.

He presented a WRC document outlining agreement to establish a job evaluation scheme for the local authority sector. He said: “This as close as we have ever been to a fair, transparent, and impartial job evaluation scheme.” 

Richy made clear that much work remained, promising that both he and the DEC would continue working towards delivering a scheme on behalf of members.

Following further motions, Fórsa president, Martin Walsh addressed the conference. He praised delegates for their work in fighting for better workers’ pay and conditions saying: “You’ve made wins that will change lives.”

A busy first day of Conference 2025 then came to an end with the awarding of the distinguished service awards, honouring those who have gone above and beyond in their service to the union.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.