Two weeks on from the momentous ballot earlier this month, Fórsa networks across the country are cracking into action. Materials are making their way into workplaces everywhere, ahead of a brewing wave of industrial action that is set to sweep the nation.
Access workplace materials, a detailed FAQ and resources to support your action on our industrial action info hub here.
Head of the Local Government and Local Services and the Municipal Employees divisions Richy Carrothers said: "Local government and municipal members are incredibly angry and have spoken decisively about how they feel in this overwhelming ballot result, the largest ever."
"They are ready to take action to secure a fair and acceptable outcome. Extensive engagement with members is underway to make sure members working in city and county councils the length and breadth of the country are prepared to take action. Local authority workers are essential public servants, they keep our towns and villages running, and they deserve better."
To support branches and reps we have created a set of workplace materials to build visibility, and we’re encouraging members to display and distribute these across their workplaces next week and in the days leading up to the industrial action beginning on Wednesday 30th September.
Deputy general secretary Katie Morgan said: “Industrial action takes significant preparation and planning. Branches, divisions, reps and staff are hard at work across the country getting ready and planning their activities. Next week we’re encouraging all members to talk to their colleagues about why they’re taking a stand and show government how serious we are.”
“Next week is about finalising preparations for industrial action and showing we are ‘Ready for Action’. Branches and divisions are organising information meetings, sharing Fórsa materials to help increase visibility in the workplace, and helping to build awareness of the industrial action.”
Initially, the industrial action will consist of a series of work to rule and non-cooperation actions, with each of Fórsa’s six divisions devising plans appropriate to specific workplaces that are then approved by Fórsa’s National Executive Committee. Official union instructions, detailing what actions members should, and should not, take during industrial action have begun to issue to members, and will continue to do so in the coming week.
Katie continued: “We’ve also launched a website hub that hosts all the information you need. You can access posters, leaflets and a detailed FAQ, which outlines our response to government’s empty rhetoric in regard to talks and explains how industrial action works on a practical level."
Amid the preparations, the ICTU Public Services Committee (PSC) met last Friday 11th September, and agreed to coordinate industrial action. In a communication issued after the meeting, Fórsa general secretary and chair of the PSC, Kevin Callinan informed members that public service unions would be coordinating industrial action and had agreed that a one-day strike will take place on Wednesday 14th October. Fórsa’s NEC is meeting on Wednesday of next week to determine next steps.
Kevin said: “We know public service workers are deeply concerned about pay, living standards and the Government’s failure to put forward a credible basis for renewed engagement.”
“Our position is that talks must have a clear purpose from the outset, including a credible approach to protecting living standards, which can only be achieved by addressing pay.
“The Government is the State’s largest employer, and if it refuses to address pay falling behind inflation, it emboldens other employers to take the same approach, putting workers’ pay across Ireland at risk. We are resolute that collective action is what is needed now.”
Access materials for members here:
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