On Wednesday 29th February, Fórsa returned to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for an urgent engagement on the Career Pathway Review, after talks came to a standstill in the early part of February.

After a lengthy six-hour engagement, a further addendum to the WRC Agreements of the 4th September and 11th December was agreed and can be viewed here. 

National Secretary Linda Kelly welcomed the progress made but indicated there was more needed to be done by the HSE. “While the progress made in the WRC at our most recent engagement is welcome, the HSE need to arrive at a final resolution on the staff to senior pathway without delay. The recommendation in relation to this pathway was made by the independent chair in December 2020 and we cannot wait forever and a day for it to be implemented.”

“The HSE and funded agencies, are aware, but perhaps need to be more mindful that we are operating under the suspension of an industrial action following a very strong mandate from members in relation to the Career Pathway Review. The broader context is important here and this pathway is a key retention mechanism for HSCP staff in the eight professions. Fórsa are resolved to see this through to a conclusion”.

The eight health and social care professions are members working in dietetics, orthoptics, occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, social care work, and social work within the HSE and HSE funded services.

A staff-to-senior career pathway has been a longstanding demand from the union. Proposals were agreed at the WRC in September and December 2023 following extensive engagement. These proposals built on the recommendation contained in the Career Pathway Review interim report published in 2020.
 
The most recent discussions focused on the bottoming out of the process already commenced in primary care, the appropriate pathway for social workers in primary care and the implementation of an equitable staff-to-senior pathway outside of primary care.
 
Fórsa secured agreement in relation to the grade progression from basic to senior social work in primary care, and the parties are in the final stages of agreeing a job description for social work in primary care.
 
Further engagement will now take place between the parties to reach agreement on the outstanding matters in the revised timelines agreed in the most recent addendum. 

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Unions have welcomed the new code of practice on requests for flexible and remote working. The new code was introduced by enterprise minister Simon Coveney earlier this month.

The code, which unions say strengthen workers’ work-life balance rights, was developed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and social partners. The draft code was developed by an ICTU working group, which included Fórsa representatives, and now provides a comprehensive guide on compliance with the Work Life Balance Act and best practice principles.

Congress social policy officer Dr. Laura Bambrick explained that the legislation, and the new code of practice, ends the situation where requests for flexible and remote working can be ignored or dismissed by an employer.

“Employers will be required to take account of an individual worker’s needs, and the requirements of the new code, in addition to the needs of the business when considering a request, as well as any changes that might later be sought or made to an agreed arrangement,” she said.

ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy said: “Making it easier for people to combine their professional and personal life through greater flexibility on when and where they work is good for workers and families. 

“It’s good for businesses who get to retain valuable and often highly-trained staff. It’s good for society and for the economy too. It will help close the gender gaps in employment, care, pay and pensions. Everyone wins,” he said.

Fórsa national secretary Katie Morgan, who was on the ICTU working group, encouraged union members to review the code in line with their current workplace policies, and to utilise the code to negotiate improvements.

She added: “This is a positive development for workers, once again demonstrating the value of the trade union voice in developing new ways of working. Any Fórsa members seeking advice on the code and how it works should contact their branch representative or a union official.” 

A copy of Code of Practice for Employers and Employees Right to Request Flexible Working and Right to Request Remote Working can be downloaded here.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

The European Public Services Union (EPSU) and Public Services International (PSI) have recently launched a new online training tool to support trade union members in understanding concepts, opportunities, challenges and processes around remunicipalisation.

Remunicipalisation is the process of bringing privatised services back into public control.  
 
The toolkit includes detailed information, case studies, video, infographics and a Q&A. You can access it here.
 
This e-learning tool is an on-demand resource for trade unionists who are interested in starting a campaign to bring public services back into public hands.

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers was a member of the Steering Committee that developed the toolkit. Speaking at the European launch of the toolkit Richy said:

“This toolkit is a welcome contribution to the global fight for remunicipalisation. We fundamentally believe that public services should be delivered by public servants.” 

Richy continued: “By empowering trade union members to campaign for the restoration of public control of public services our unions will build power locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

Ahead of the local and European elections on 7th June 2024 Fórsa will use the toolkit to raise awareness among election candidates and political parties of the importance of remunicipalisation, a central political objective for the union.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Ireland’s leading trade union festival, is set to return to Liberty Hall on Saturday 11th May, following last year’s successful inaugural event. The festival of debate, song and drama will include discussions on trade union strategy, international solidarity, and the fight against the forces that seek to divide working-class communities.

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins will take to the main stage to deliver the 2024 Robert Tressell Festival keynote address on the evening of the 11th May, in what has been described as “an honour” by event organisers. 

“We are honoured that the President of Ireland will make the main 2024 Robert Tressell Festival address. It is fitting at this celebration of one of the greatest socialist writers to be born in Dublin, that President Michael D Higgins, as an artist, historian and a leader of international opinion in the struggle for peace, should discuss the continued relevance of the ideas that infuse The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists,” said organising committee chairperson, Seamus McDonagh. 

In addition, former leader of the UK Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn MP, RMT’s Mick Lynch, INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha, Amazon Labor Union leader Chris Smalls, and ICTU General Secretary, Owen Reidy, will also contribute to the debates. Entertainment will be provided by Lankum’s Darragh Lynch and Dublin band Faró.

ICTU vice president and organising committee member Katie Morgan said that this year is shaping up to be “bigger and better” than last year. 

“This festival celebrates the life and work of Robert Tressell and the passion that he had for creating art and fostering debate, which is crucial to the workers’ movement. Interest and support from our movement has been immense and we’re anticipating more demand for tickets than ever before so it’s important to book them early,” she said.

More information on the Robert Tressell Festival 2024 can be found here.

Daytime tickets cost €5.50, while tickets for the evening rally cost €20 (plus booking) Buy your tickets here.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) will meet on Monday to aggregate the ballot results of the 19 affiliate unions. Following that meeting an announcement will be made regarding whether the deal has been ratified. 

The results of the Fórsa ballot was announced last Friday 15 March. Fórsa members voted in favour of the deal by a margin of 94%. With more than 52,720 members voting on the new pay terms, the final turnout was 67.3%.

Members from a number of other unions have also balloted in favour of the deal including, Siptu, the INMO, the INTO, and the Prison Officer’s Association.

Speaking about the ballot Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan said: “Ballots are an essential part of union democracy. Ultimately it is members who decide if the result of negotiations are accepted or rejected. Thank you to each and every member who took the time to consider the agreement and cast their vote.” 

Looking ahead Kevin added: “If the deal is accepted, we will move on to developing the terms of the local bargaining clause. Bargaining units will need to be defined. To do this we will engage with members and branches in the months ahead.”

If the deal is ratified by an aggregate ballot of the PSC it would provide the following pay terms:

2024
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 2.25% or €1,125, whichever is greater, from 1st January 2024
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1st June 2024
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1st October 2024

2025
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 2% or €1,000, whichever is greater, on 1st March 2025
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1st August 2025
•    The first phase of local bargaining, equivalent to 1% of payroll cost, on 1st September 2025  

2026
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1st February 2026
•    A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1st June 2026

The previous public service pay agreement, Building Momentum, expired at the end of 2023. The proposed new deal covers the period from 1st January 2024 to 30th June 2026.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Today, Friday 22nd March is World Water Day. This World Water Day, Fórsa is calling on Minister Darragh O’Brien to #NameTheDate and hold the referendum on the public ownership of water services alongside the United Patents Court referendum on Friday 7th June. Whilst the Minister has long confirmed the intention to run the water referendum, a date has not yet been secured.

Fórsa, Siptu, Unite, Connect and ICTU jointly wrote to parliamentary party leaders yesterday (Thursday 21st March), seeking for the Minister and An Taoiseach to "honour their promises to the Irish people" and for the Government to put the water referendum to the country at the earliest opportunity. 

"If the referendum on the United Patents Court takes place in June 2024, we are firmly of the view that the referendum to forever enshrine the public ownership of water into the constitution should occur at the same time," they said. 
  
Head of Fórsa’s Local Government and Local Services and Municipal Employees’ Divisions Richy Carrothers called on members to get behind the Keep Water Public campaign, especially on World Water Day, and urge the Minister to set the referendum date.  

He said that a referendum would help protect Irish water services from any future attempt at privatisation by providing a constitutional guarantee of public ownership.

“World Water Day is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. Privatised water services result in higher costs and poorer services for the public. Public ownership of water services ensures safe and sustainable access to water for everyone. The time is now, it’s critical that Government lives up to its commitment and set Friday 7th June as the date for the referendum to keep water public,” he said.

Fórsa has repeatedly expressed its disappointment at Government’s failure to act on its promise to stage a referendum on water ownership, and has encouraged members to get behind the campaign by signing this petition.

“World Water Day 2024 is about working together to balance everyone’s needs, with a dedication to ensure no one is left behind, to make water a catalyst for a more peaceful world. The #NameTheDate campaign calls for just that, and I’m confident that Fórsa members will seize the opportunity to back this grassroots campaign and get this message across to the Government parties,” said Richy.

You can sign the petition here and view the letter to parliamentary party leaders here. 
 

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Fórsa will be supporting the next National March for Palestine which will be taking place tomorrow, on Saturday 23 March. The demonstration, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, will gather at the Garden of Remembrance and march to the Department of Foreign Affairs on Stephen’s Green.

The Fórsa contingent will be gathering from 12.45pm outside the Mandate Trade Union offices (across the road from the Gate Theatre), with flags and banners being available to collect at Nerney’s Court from 12.15pm.

Speaking about the upcoming demonstration Grace Williams, head of campaigns at Fórsa, said: "We continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and reiterate calls for a ceasefire. It is heartening to see our members stand up and be counted at demonstration after demonstration, five months into the conflict. We hope to see many Fórsa members join us this Saturday."

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

There are a number of training courses for members available over the next month. The theme of getting prepared for conference features heavily as Fórsa’s Biennial conference takes place this May in Killarney.

• Lunch and Learn - Friday 22nd March 1pm Online.

The topic for March will be ‘A guide to Conference.’ It is a must for anyone attending conference for the first time and a refresher for more seasoned hands. If you missed the registration date, please email Judith at skillsacademy@forsa.ie and she will send you a link to join this session.

• Public Speaking for Conference Delegates – Thursday 11th April. 10.30am-16.00pm. Nerney’s Court, Dublin.

This course is suited to anyone who would like to gain skills and confidence when speaking in front of an audience. It will be led by Pat Montague of Montague Communications. Pat specialises in crisis communications and media relations. Pat has also presented several courses on Communications for Fórsa representatives. To be eligible to attend you must not have attended previous Public Speaking courses. Registration is open until 26th March.
You can register here.

• Data Protection Course – Wednesday 17th April. Online. 10:00am-13:00pm.

This course is essential for anyone in a representative role, particularly those who handle membership lists and data. This course will guide you through the responsibilities of holding personal data and will be facilitated by Martina O’Leary, Fórsa Data Protection Officer. Registration is open until 27th March.

You can register here.

We would also like to advise members of a change of date for the next Equality Module which is part of the Expanded Workplace Reps Training. Due to a staff training on Wednesday 9th April, this training has been moved to Tuesday 23th April. It will be held at our Sligo Regional Office.

The full calendar of training throughout 2024 is available here.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Forget the Tour de France, it’s time to start training for the Tour De Fórsa! The wheels are in motion for yet another conference cycle. Since 2008, branch activists and staff members of Fórsa have pedalled to the union’s biennial conference in a tradition that has served a dual purpose: promoting physical activity while raising vital funds for charity. 

Over the years the event has raised nearly €260,000 for various causes, including cancer research, mental health initiatives, and suicide prevention projects. This achievement is the result of concerted efforts across all levels of the organisation, including contributions from branches, conferences, and support from the National Executive Committee.

In 2022, the cycle resumed its traditional route from Limerick to Killarney, covering approximately 115 kilometres and raising an impressive €26,805. This was distributed among four deserving charities: Let’s Get Talking, Limerick Treaty Suicide, National Centre for Youth Mental Health, and Suicide or Survive, with each organization receiving €6,701.25. 

“The cycle will kick off in Limerick on the morning of Wednesday 15th May, aiming to arrive in Killarney in time for conference registration. A van will be arranged to transport participants’ bikes from Dublin to Limerick and back to Dublin after conference,” outlined Diarmaid Mac a Bhaird, a Fórsa organiser.

Michael Kerrigan, industrial relations officer, is hopeful for a surge in the participation of cyclists and insists on putting the focus on enjoyment and inclusivity rather than competitive racing.

“It would be great to have at least one person representing your branch. You have two months to get yourself prepared - you don’t have to be a pro - this is a fun cycle, and you don’t have to do the whole cycle to take part in the event. You can share a bike and do 5-10km, or more. You won’t be left behind as we will all arrive at the conference venue at the same time. It is not a competitive event. The bright evenings are upon us so get that bike out - it’s a fun event for a good cause,” he said.

Donna Mooney, industrial relations officer, outlined the importance of fundraising for charities given the huge strain they are under, particularly those in areas like suicide prevention, mental health, and bereavement.

 “As a result, the organisers have decided that branches who wish to donate to a nominated charity in their own area can do so if they are registered. All monies collected will be divided equally among those charities nominated. In the past, branches throughout the country have been very generous and we are again asking your branch and any new branches to dig deep and support this worthy cause,” she implored.

For further information, contact Donna Mooney or Michael Kerrigan at 01 817 1500 or email Diarmaid Mac a Bhaird at dmacabhaird@forsa.ie.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.