Fórsa Youth is kicking off the new year in style, as the union’s youth network is set to hold two events in Dublin before month end. What the Fórsa!? is an information night which will take place next Thursday 30th January.  Before that, members can follow in the footsteps of James Connolly with a Conor McCabe led walking tour taking place tomorrow Saturday 25th January. 

What the Fórsa !?

What the Fórsa !? will run from 6pm – 8pm on Thursday 30th January in the union’s Nerney’s Court offices. 

This information session will see contributions from Grace Williams, Director of Campaigns, and Fiona Dunne, Director of Membership Training and Development, alongside the network’s recruitment officer Áine Bullock.

Moderated by Fórsa Youth chairperson Hugh McInerney, this panel will answer a range of questions about what the union does, what's coming up, and how to get involved as a young member. Young workers will have an opportunity to ask questions from the floor. Encouraging members to attend Hugh said: “We want to hear from you!” 

Reps and non-reps are welcome and a social will be held in Kavanaghs The Temple Dorset St immediately after the event. 

Those interested in attending can register here and should select 'Thursday 30th'.

Walking Tour with Conor McCabe

Fórsa Youth has also organised a free James Connolly walking tour on Saturday 25th January with academic Conor McCabe . The tour will start at the James Connolly Memorial Statue near Custom House at 11.30am sharp. To attend, please email Rachel Fennelly, Fórsa Youth Secretary at forsayncsecretary@forsa-rep.ie. Spaces are filling fast so early registration is encouraged. 

Fórsa’s Youth network is open to all members between the ages of 18- 35 across the union’s six divisions. The network works to further issues and campaigns that are of interest to younger members, encourage participation and to be a voice for young workers. 

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch email forsayncsecretary@forsa-rep.ie. For more information, and to stay up to date, follow Fórsa Youth on Instagram @forsa.youth.

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There’s a jam packed month ahead on the training calendar with opportunities for members to dive into topics like neurodiversity and the brilliant induction course for new members filling up quick.

Friday 31st January – Lunch and Learn - Creating a better understanding of neurodiversity – Online

Our ever-popular Lunch and Learn monthly online seminar will open the year with a session on neurodiversity. The session will be presented in cooperation with Neurodiversity Ireland. Senior Occupational Therapists and Clinical Practice Managers will dispel some of the myths around neurodiversity, as well as covering what neurodiversity is. The session will also cover how to make a more welcoming work environment for neurodiverse colleagues through neuro-affirmative approaches, and use of language. 

Registration is open now and will remain open until lunchtime Thursday 30th January.  

Thursday 6th February – Evaluating our learning and its application – Nerney’s Court, Dublin

There are still a small number of places left for this seminar for Branch Training officers. The seminar is on the theme of evaluating our learning and its application and will be of great help to branch training officers in carrying out their role.

Registration links were previously sent to all branch chairs, secretaries, and training officers.

Wednesday 12th February – Induction - Online

Fórsa’s induction sessions are a fantastic way for new members to learn more about the union. The session will take members through the structure of the union, explain how it operates, the benefits of being an active member and the role of the workplace representative. A not-to-miss for new members.

Tuesday 25th- Thursday 27th February - Workplace representatives training level 1 – Ice House, Sligo

Places are fast running out for workplace representatives training in Sligo. This will be the last session in Sligo until 2026 so all new workplace representatives in the Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, and Mayo areas are encouraged register.

Members with questions relating to training and education or who wish to register for a session can email skillsacademy@forsa.ie.

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Come join the Fórsa contingent at the first national demonstration for Palestine of 2025. The march will take place on Saturday 25th January at 1pm. Protestors will gather at the Garden of Remembrance and march to the Molesworth Street rally point, outside the Dáil.

The meeting point for Fórsa members will be from 12:30pm with the rest of the union bloc outside the Mandate Trade Union offices on Cavendish Row (across the road from the Gate Theatre). Flags will be available to collect from the Nerney’s Court office from 12.15pm.

In the run up to the election all major parties made promises to pass the Occupied Territories Bill in the next session of the Oireachtas, however recent statements from the leading parties of the incoming Government have cast doubt on the issue, yet again.

This protest will be an opportunity to remind the new government that Palestine, a sustainable ceasefire, and a future for Palestinians are still a priority for the Irish electorate. It is an opportunity to demand the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill, an end to weapons passing through Irish airspace and an end to the sale of Israeli Bonds by the Central Bank.

Fórsa Head of Campaigns, Grace Williams said “Fórsa‘s constant presence at IPSC marches is testament to the commitment of our members who stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. While the ceasefire is welcome, and we hope it holds, we must continue to demand the Irish State takes more action to ensure a lasting and equitable peace.”

*Red Weather Warning* The IPSC will be posting updated on their social media channels in regards to whether the demonstration will take place given the unfolding situation regarding Storm Éowyn. Members are advised to use their own best judgement to decide whether it is safe to travel on Saturday morning. 

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Leading trade unionists from across the island gathered in Newry earlier this month for the latest in a series of Ireland’s Future engagement events.

Ireland’s Future was established to advocate for, and promote, debate and discussion about Ireland’s future, including the possibility and viability of new constitutional arrangements on the island.

The civic group is consulting widely with a variety of sectors at the beginning of what it regards as a “crucial five-year period” in the debate around constitutional change.

Fórsa national secretary and Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) vice-president Katie Morgan was one of the contributors to the landmark event and was joined by other leading trade union officials from across the island, including ICTU assistant general secretary Gerry Murphy, SIPTU deputy general secretary Greg Ennis, Unison regional general secretary Patricia McKeown and INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha.  

New research from the ESRI was presented at the forum, which underscored the widening disparities in economic, social, and health outcomes between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Considering living standards, the data indicates that workers in the Republic of Ireland earn 30–40% more than their Northern Irish counterparts, translating to a 12% higher disposable income for citizens in the South. 

The risk of poverty is also 30% lower in the Republic, highlighting stark differences in economic well-being. Experts attribute this gap to diverging economic policies and the fallout from Brexit, which has disproportionately impacted Northern Ireland.

Healthcare outcomes paint a stark picture of inequality. Northern Ireland's NHS faces severe challenges, with 26.3% of the population on waiting lists—more than double the Republic’s figures. Northern Ireland’s hospital waiting lists are four times higher for patients waiting over a year, and infant mortality rates remain notably worse, reflecting systemic pressures on the healthcare system.

Reflecting on the research, Katie highlighted the significant disparities in living standards, education, healthcare, and productivity between the North and the South, underscoring growing inequality.

“These new findings reflect broader challenges for the North, including low investment in education, fragmented economic policy, and the lingering impacts of partition. These issues underline the need to address inequalities, and the future of the country should align with ICTU’s vision of a safe and secure future for all, as outlined in the No Going Back paper,” she said. 

The data further highlights a growing gap in the quality of life between the two regions.

“This analysis highlights the growing importance of North-South comparative research. The disparities between North and South are widening, with systemic challenges in education and healthcare. It’s clear that this must be addressed as part of any future framework,” she said. 

The ESRI’S summary of North-South comparative research report can be viewed here.

ICTU’s No Going Back: A New Deal for a Safe and Secure Future for All report can be viewed in full here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

As Annual General Meeting (AGM) season ramps up, you might find the materials in our handy Fórsa AGM toolkit useful. They’re designed to support branches in getting the word out and mobilising participation.

What’s in the Fórsa AGM toolkit?

Posters

This set of posters are designed to be printed locally, with space left for you to write in the exact details of each meeting. There’s even a handy QR code to encourage easy sign ups. You can download them here.

Recruitment leaflet and poster 

You can print these leaflets and posters either at work or with a local professional poster. The leaflet outlines all the advantages of joining Fórsa, and can serve as both a recruitment tool, and a reminder for current members. The poster can be displayed in workplace, and you might consider giving everyone who comes to your AGM a copy. 

Guide on how to run an online AGM

In response to requests received from branches we have also produced a downloadable PDF on running online AGMs. This resource delves into key strategies and best practices for running successful online meetings. The guide also provides practical tips for managing participant engagement, handling technical glitches, and fostering productive proceedings.

The full toolkit is available here for download.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

Almost 10,000 members joined Fórsa in 2024. That’s more than double the average annual intake over the last decade. By the end of the year, our total membership had reached 89,344 with huge organising momentum in all divisions.

In 2024, the number of new joiners remained high, following a bumper year for recruitment in 2023. Recruitment was highest during periods of high participation and collective activity, including during the Public Service Agreement ballot in early spring.

In total, Fórsa has recruited around 67,000 new members since 2018. Today, more than half of all Fórsa members (45,000) have joined the union since the establishment of the Fórsa. 

Speaking about the figures Fórsa’s director of membership Seán McElhinnney said: “These figures are really promising. But they’re not just statistics. Behind every number is a person who has chosen to join our union to build collective strength and power. Well done to everyone who recruited new members and welcome to those of you who have recently joined us.”

Seán urged everyone to get involved in building their union, saying: “If you joined the union in the last year be sure to keep an eye out for your branch AGM, and any upcoming union events. You can also distribute this recruitment flyer in your workplace.”

In 2024 the Health and Welfare division recruited the most members, with almost 3,500 new recruits, with the Education and Civil Service divisions following closely behind, recruiting more than 2,500 and 2,200 members respectively. In health, recruitment was bolstered by workers joining Fórsa to participate in industrial disputes and campaigns to improve our members’ lives at work.

The Education division was the fastest growing division in the union and demonstrated overall growth of more than 8%. Growth in the division was boosted by a variety of promotional and industrial initiatives, and the coming together of four SNA branches to launch Ireland’s first-ever ‘SNA Appreciation Day’ in autumn last year. During that period nearly three times as many SNAs joined Fórsa compared with the same period in 2023.

The School Completion Programme branch also had a strong year, recruiting more than 40 new members and demonstrating overall branch growth of around 30%.

All four Fórsa SNA branches appeared in the top ten recruiting branches in the union, alongside Dublin Hospitals, Cork Health and Local Government, Cabin Crew, Dublin North and South Health and Welfare branches, and Galway Health and Local Government. The newly formed Revenue Clerical branch sat just outside the top ten, alongside the Dublin Care Services branch.

The Services and Enterprises Division was the second fastest growing division, with almost 1,000 new recruits throughout 2024, and it had an overall divisional growth of more than 7%. Of branches with fewer than 1,000 members, the State Enterprises No 1 branch was the highest recruiting branch in the union, adding more than 200 new recruits throughout the year.

The Local Government and Local Services division saw almost 800 new members join and has grown by more than 8% since 2022.

Musing over the figures Seán was quick to warn it wasn’t time to rest on our laurels.  

“There’s certainly a lot to celebrate here. However, it’s important to remember that each year, members also leave the union or retire,” he reflected.  

“So, while 10,000 new members joined in 2024, the net growth is closer to 4,000. That might temper the excitement of those figures slightly, but we’re actively working on a retired membership strategy. This will help ensure that the experiences of that generation of trade unionists are passed on to new members, preserving institutional knowledge and avoiding it being lost.” 

You can help build your union too! Download, display and distribute our new recruitment poster here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

Members of Fórsa who work in South Dublin County Council are to vote on potential industrial action in upcoming weeks. The ballot will open on Tuesday 4th February and close on Tuesday 18th February. Voting will take place in-person.

Members will be asked if they wish to take industrial action in relation to the outsourcing of legal services associated with rate collection by SDCC.

Fórsa official Maura Calahan explained that the issue began in 2019 when the Council first outsourced the work. At that time the union agreed to this as an interim measure and on a time-limited basis in order to clear a back log that had arisen.

“The problem is what happened at the end of the original contract. The Council decided to extend the contract without consultation of our members. This goes against the most basic industrial relations processes.”

She continued: “Fórsa has been trying to secure agreement with management to establish correct staffing resources within the Legal Department to allow the work to return in-house. But this has been dragging on for years now with no real effort to seek resolution at all on the Council’s side. We have been up every avenue available to us, from conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discussion at the Local Authority National Council (LANC) – all to no avail.”

Given the impasse the SDCC branch of Fórsa has decided that a ballot of members must take place to determine next steps. 

Noel McCarthy, branch chair said: “Our members did this work for years and then it was taken away from them, with no explanation. They’re more than capable of doing this work and should have the opportunity to do it. Management won’t acknowledge our position, or that they’re in the wrong.” 

The ballot will open on Tuesday 4th February and run until Tuesday 18th February. During that time members will be able to vote in-person in the union office in SDCC. A mobile voting booth will also travel to libraries, depots and the office in Clondalkin.

Further information will issue to members concerned next week.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has issued updated guidelines for the re-assignment of local authority water services workers under the framework for the future delivery of water services following ongoing negotiations with Fórsa and other local authority water service workers trade unions. 

As part of the ongoing transition of water services from local authorities to Uisce Éireann, new provisions have been established regarding the reassignment of existing local authority water workers to alternative roles within local authorities. This applies only to water workers who now fall under the direction and control of Uisce Éireann, and who have elected to be reassigned within local authorities. 

Under the updated procedures, which have been negotiated in consultation with the high-level Irish Water Consultative Group (IWCG), employees who are reassigned must receive written confirmation outlining their new role, working arrangements, and the specific provisions regarding retention of earnings.

Reassigned employees will be assigned new job titles, applicable to their new roles, and workers will retain their existing substantive grade and salary levels upon reassignment, ensuring continuity of pay. 

Certain allowances, such as weekend and on-call allowances, will continue to be paid to reassigned staff as long as the employee meets the required conditions (e.g., working a 39-hour week or signing up for the on-call roster), while staff who were operating under atypical working hours (e.g., 39 hours over 7 days) in their previous positions will now be expected to follow the working hours of the new role. 

Head of Local Government and Local Services and Municipal Employees Divisions Richy Carrothers explained that the revised guidelines have issued to clarify the processes and ensure transparency for employees in relation to their new roles and associated earnings.

“The new guidelines reflect a commitment to maintaining fairness and clarity as staff transition to new roles, ensuring that they continue to receive appropriate compensation and are supported throughout the process. The union group continues to work hard to secure protections for local authority water workers who are reassigned, and we welcome the updated clarification,” he said.  

Further information on reassignment procedures can be found here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

We are very happy to announce the release of the first issue of our new Municipal Employees Divisional Bulletin. 

In our first issue we invite members to attend the divisional AGM on 5th February. We have an update on the fight for remunicipalisation of waste services, and we talk about importance of being part of Dublin City Council’s upcoming workforce planning. 

We will also issue this bulletin by email four times a year, and reps will have paper copies available too. 

We encourage members to print out the bulletin and hang it in their workplace. Let your coworkers know what Fórsa is doing to improve your workplace and how they can take part!

You can download the bulletin here.

For any follow up queries please contact Jade O’Donohoe by email at: jodonohoe@forsa.ie.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

While formalities at Leinster House descended into chaos this week, the new Government parties had nevertheless signed off an agreed Programme for Government ahead of the commencement of the new Dáil term.

The document provides a mixture of aspiration and commitments alongside specific measures on a wide range of issues. These include the management of public finances and expenditure, public service reform, digitalisation, housing, infrastructure and health.

On public service delivery and reform, the Programme for Government acknowledges the “tremendous work across the country” of the “large public and civil service,” and commits to improving public services through “investment, culture and productivity,” in addition to ‘heavy’ investment in modern technologies and digitalisation.

The current public sector pay agreement continues to 30th June 2026, and the new Government has committed to negotiating a new pay deal to succeed it, and to negotiate a deal that “recognises the central contribution of workers in the delivery of better public services”, with the usual caveat of linking the deal to a ‘reform agenda’. 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the new administration was facing into a challenging term, not least due to so much international uncertainty: “I think that’s why it’s important that the incoming Government continues to work with public service unions as part of its efforts to maintain stability and progress in an uncertain world."

“But that can only thrive in an environment of mutual respect, and any reform - in the context of a successor to the current public service pay deal - must be negotiated,” he said.

Survey

Kevin added: “Ahead of last year’s election, more than 20,000 Fórsa members took part in a union survey that captured their priorities for the next Government."

“These include the need for investment in housing, infrastructure and quality public services, in addition to cost of living measures. Almost 85% of our respondents said pay improvement was a key issue for them in deciding who to vote for,” he said.

Despite commitments included in the government parties’ manifestos, the Programme for Government omits any reference to a commitment to pay parity with public health staff for health workers in the community and voluntary sector (Sections 39, 56 and 10 organisations).

The matter nevertheless remains an ongoing issue for health unions, and the Programme for Government commits to working with the voluntary sector “through industrial relations mechanisms…to progress pay issues that affect the delivery of disability services and the long-term viability of organisations within the sector”.

Kevin commented: “There’s still an enormous amount of work to do to resolve the challenges, for example, of health service delivery, where we are currently in dispute on employment numbers, and where we are still working to resolve the pay disparity in community and voluntary sector health services, where recruitment and retention challenges persist,” he said.

The programme also envisages a review of the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework to “consider how the implementation of this approach best delivers public services and supports the productivity of the public sector.” 

Kevin said remote working is now a well-established fact of working life for many across the public and civil service, while productivity remains strong: “Remote working plays a very significant role in helping workers to strike a decent balance between work and home responsibilities, including caregiving, in addition to helping ease pressure on transport infrastructure and emissions reduction."

“While the new US administration has issued an executive order forcing federal workers back to full-time office attendance - and there have been attempts to make remote/hybrid working a ‘culture war’ issue in the UK - the debate in Ireland has, so far, been more measured, and the experience has been significantly beneficial for Irish society, so there is no need for an arbitrary full-time return to the office in those circumstances,” he said.

The Programme for Government document is available here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

The Equivalent Grades Committee for Grades 4 to 7, including executive officers, higher executive officers and administrative officers, met yesterday, Thursday 23rd January, to discuss the next claim that will be lodged using the local bargaining process.

At the meeting of the cross divisional committee members discussed the best approach to take next. It was agreed that a survey should issue to members next week asking them their views on the nature of the claim. 

Fórsa deputy general secretary Éamonn Donnelly said “This is a unique opportunity for union members put forward their views on the claim. We’ll be asking you what would make the most difference to your life. Local bargaining is a democratic way for union members to achieve meaningful adjustments to their pay and conditions.” 

This next claim concerns people working in Grade 4 – 7 roles. These include executive officers, administrative officers and higher executive officers across all divisions of the union.

The first local bargaining claim was lodged by Fórsa in December. The claim was on behalf of clerical officers and those working in Grade 3 or related roles. It aims to shorten the length of time it takes to progress on the relevant pay scale and increase the maximum point of the pay scale. 

According to media reports, the claim covers 30,000 workers. You can read more about it here.

Local bargaining is a key feature of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. It is a new form of national bargaining for issues specific to grades, groups and categories. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

Revenue has announced that employees who qualify for the Flat Rate Expense (FRE) allowance will remain eligible to claim this benefit in 2025. The FRE regime, managed administratively by Revenue, is designed to provide tax relief for specific employment-related expenses.

Examples include tools, uniforms, and statutory registration fees. These expenses must meet the conditions outlined in Section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, expenses must be:

• Wholly, exclusively, and necessarily incurred during the performance of duties for the employment or office.
• Not reimbursed by the employer.

How to claim the FRE allowance

Revenue emphasises that employees must submit a claim annually to avail of the FRE allowance. The quickest and most convenient way to apply is through Revenue's online service, myAccount. There are two ways to proceed:

1.  In-Year Claims: Using the PAYE Services tab in myAccount, employees can claim the allowance for the current tax year. Once submitted, the FRE allowance is reflected in an amended Tax Credit Certificate (TCC), and the benefit is processed via payroll.
2. Out-of-Year Claims: For allowances related to previous tax years, employees can file a claim by completing an annual Income Tax return through myAccount.

The details of FRE rates for years up to and including 2025 can be accessed here. Additionally, comprehensive guidance on the FRE regime is available via the following links:

• Details on Flat Rate Expenses
• Guidance on Flat Rate Expenses
• Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-02-20 

Employees are encouraged to use the detailed resources provided by Revenue to ensure they can claim their allowances effectively and maximise their tax benefits under the FRE scheme. Revenue is working to ensure employees in eligible employment categories are supported in managing their work-related expenses effectively.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

On the morning of Saturday 18th January, a queue snaked along Eden Quay, as trade unionists and civil society group members waited patiently to enter the Liberty Hall Theatre. They were there to attend the Conference on the Rights of Palestinian Children, spearheaded by the INTO. 

With a tentative ceasefire due to take effect the following day, the Conference was fortuitously timed, and a cautious sense of hope permeated proceedings.

At the outset Sandra Corrigan, INTO Global Solidarity Officer and lead conference organiser acknowledged the support of Trade Union Friends of Palestine in the preparation of the event, and paid tribute to the help provided by Fórsa’s Denis Keane. 

The Conference gathered speakers from the Irish and Palestinian trade union movements, along with UN experts, and activists. The afternoon session was devoted to young Palestinians, their voices being brought front and centre as the ones who have experienced first-hand the issues being discussed.

Over the day speakers sought to establish a full picture of life for Palestinian children and map a route forward to allow them the same safety and school access all children deserve.

Iman Al-Shayeb, member of the general secretariat of the Palestinian Teacher’s Union, described Israel’s actions as intentional scholasticide. She said: “It is a systemic genocide aimed at destroying the education system in the Gaza strip, and depriving generations of access to education.” She noted “90% of schools in Gaza have been completely or partially destroyed.”

Appearing by video link, Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, described Palestinian childhood as “‘unchilding” which she defined as “the robbing of Palestinian children of everything that makes a childhood.”

In prerecorded contributions, children in Gaza gave a glimpse of what ‘unchilding’ looks like.  One drew attention to the food shortage saying: “We can’t find food, we can’t find flour.” Another who wished to be a doctor told how the war had come “and destroyed all my dreams.” While a boy of no more than nine years old said “the smell of death is everywhere.” 

On the Wednesday before the conference one of the contributing children was killed by an Israeli rocket strike along with his family. His name was Ramadan. 

Further underlining the lived experience of young Palestinians, another contributor was unable to attend on the day as a close family relative had been arrested by the IDF. Their family has been unable to learn what accusations their family member face.

When discussing a path forward, Tahla Al Ali, psychotherapist and human rights activist, shared a Palestinian proverb “the one who is drowning wouldn’t be worried about drying their clothes.” According to Tahla, peace will be needed for Palestinian children to heal and reclaim their childhoods. 

Tahla drew a distinction between peace and the return to pre-October 7th conditions of occupation. This sentiment was reiterated by Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, who said “ceasefire will only lead to a loss of visible genocide.”

Wrapping up proceedings, John Boyle, INTO general secretary, captured the mood in the room saying “We will not rest until apartheid in Israel is ended, and will not stop until the committers of heinous crimes see justice.”

Following the conference, the INTO are set to produce a report based on the day’s contributions.

Looking back on the day Sandra said: “It was a very tough day emotionally, but hopefully the connections, conversations and positive actions that stem from the day will help to make a real difference to children in Palestine and other children in need around the world.”

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

Last Tuesday, 14th January, European Court of Justice Advocate General Nicholas Emiliou issued an opinion which casts doubt over the legality of the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive.

The EU Minimum Wage Directive aims to improve pay and collective bargaining for millions of workers across the EU. Last year Denmark and Sweden brought a case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) arguing that pay regulation is outside the EU’s competence. This opinion issued last week supports their position and recommends the Directive be annulled. While a final ruling won’t take place until the summer, this places the important legislation in jeopardy.

In 2024 the Irish Congress of Trade Unions had declared the transposition of the Directive its “number one priority”, repeatedly urging the government to enact legislation that would make it easier for unions to organise. 

Despite its name the EU Adequate Minimum Wage Directive goes beyond setting minimum wages, requiring member states to create action plans to enhance collective bargaining and implement measures to prevent anti-union practices. In Ireland the trade union emphasis has been on how the directive could be used to embed collective bargaining further. 
 
Reactions to last week’s developments have been characterised by consternation and sharp criticism from across the trade union movement in Ireland and Brussels.

Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions expressed his concern over the Advocate General's opinion that the Directive should be annulled. 

Reidy said, “This is certainly a significant setback. It should be noted this opinion is non-binding and the matter will ultimately go to the European Court which will take a number of months and we would expect a definitive outcome later this year.”  Despite this, he emphasised that the Irish government must press ahead with preparations for the Directive’s ‘action plan,’ which is set to be finalised later this year. 
 
The European Public Services Union (EPSU), of which Fórsa is a member, called the opinion “biased”, while European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) General Secretary Esther Lynch warned that the Advocate General’s opinion, if upheld, would severely harm workers and their unions, threatening the EU's commitment to social progress.  
 
“Allowing companies to compete on the lowest wages, without ensuring a floor of decency, and union busting is a one-way street to social dumping. Validating this line of argument would have dangerous and far-reaching consequences that would risk undermining years of pain-staking social progress in EU law.” 
 
The opinion was issued by the ECJ because the Danish Government has taken a legal challenge to the Directive. The opinion expressed support for Nordic countries, pushing back against what they view as EU overreach in managing their labour markets.  

The Danish Government decided to take a case to the European Court of Justice because of a fear that the directive opened the door for wages to be set outside of Denmark.

Nordic labour unions have historically been wary of EU labour standards regulation, particularly the idea of establishing an EU-wide minimum wage. While this may initially seem contradictory, it stems from a strong belief that wage regulation is most effectively managed through trade union negotiations.  
 
Denmark lacks an official minimum wage yet is famed for paying amongst the highest wages in Europe. This is because the country boasts a near 70% union density rate and its traditional tripartite system of collective bargaining has ensured workers fare relatively well from collective agreements that determine pay across even exploitative sectors like hospitality.

ICTU Vice President and Fórsa national secretary Katie Morgan voiced concern that a potential step back would impact Irish workers, saying: “This piece of European legislation was a significant development for workers in Ireland and all across Europe.”

Katie concluded: “ICTU will continue to urge the Irish Government to press ahead with transposition. We also urge the new Government to defend the Directive at EU level – this would give the new Government a perfect opportunity to demonstrate its support for workers.”

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.