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Irresponsible airline announces lay-offs
by Niall Shanahan
 

Last week’s Aer Lingus announcement that it plans to lay off staff, reduce hours and cut pay from 21st June has been branded premature by Fórsa.


Last week’s Aer Lingus announcement that it plans to lay off staff, reduce hours and cut pay from 21st June has been branded premature by Fórsa.

 

The airline subsequently sent a video to its Shannon cabin crew, telling them that they were to lose their jobs.


The union, which represents cabin crew, pilots and middle-managers in the airline, said there was still ample time to explore and negotiate alternative cost-saving options, at a time when unprecedented public support for payroll costs remains in place.


The Government’s coronavirus-related wage subsidy scheme remains in place until 21st June, but it’s widely expected to be extended beyond that date.


In a meeting last week, Aer Lingus management told unions it would extend current pay arrangements until 21st June. But it said it would take unilateral measures, including lay-offs and cuts to hours and pay, immediately after that.


On Wednesday this week (27th May) management used a video message to staff to announce the layoff of all Shannon cabin crew.


Fórsa official Angela Kirk said the company’s move was premature: “The effect of Covid-19 is not just an issue for Aer Lingus and its staff. It’s the most significant crisis for the entire Irish aviation industry in a generation, and it has the potential to adversely affect the commercial connectivity of the country.


“We understand the scale of the crisis facing the industry and its airlines, but it’s totally irresponsible to of Aer Lingus to abandon efforts to negotiate a solution and plan for a future recovery. Shutting the door on discussions with at least month of state-subsidised wage supports in place is not the way to solve our enormous shared challenges,” she said.


Fórsa said it would continue to work to protect staff, and maintain jobs and spending power, in the airline and across the sector to the greatest extent possible.


The group of Aer Lingus unions, which also includes Siptu, Connect and Unite, has told the airline it must continue to honour all existing collective agreements, and that any proposed measures must conform to the terms of those agreements.

 

 

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Ryanair redundancy threat over pay
by Niall Shanahan
 

Ryanair has this week continued to put considerable pressure on its staff to accept pay cuts over a five-year term, despite its own forecasts of returning to growth next year.


Ryanair has this week continued to put considerable pressure on its staff to accept pay cuts over a five-year term, despite its own forecasts of returning to growth next year.

 

The company has formally initiated a consultation period on redundancies at the airline.


The airline attracted a lot of media attention this week as it pushed for a reduction in social distancing measures to facilitate a resumption of its flight schedules.


At the same time the company issued letters to all its cabin crew to say their jobs were vulnerable to redundancy because Fórsa had refused to accept a 10% pay cut over five years.


Yesterday (Thursday) the airline confirmed it will initiate a consultation with Fórsa on the selection criteria for redundancies, and ways in which redundancies might be mitigated, under the terms of the Employment Act (1977).

 

Ryanair said the total number of redundancies could be 220. Currently the airline employs 584 staff in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.


Fórsa official Ashley Connolly said: “Fórsa has continued to engage with Ryanair throughout the Covid-19 crisis. The union’s objective has always been to protect jobs and incomes to the greatest extent possible.


“We fully recognise the enormity of the impact of the pandemic on the aviation industry. We have therefore sought to present genuine and constructive proposals designed to retain the link between employer and employee in a way that would facilitate retaining the greatest possible number of jobs in these unique circumstances.


“Equally, we’ve made proposals designed to protect incomes for lower paid staff. It would appear that Ryanair has rejected these proposals in favour of longer term pay cuts and layoffs, at a time when the industry is receiving unprecedented public support in regard to wage costs.

 

"While Ryanair foresees a return to growth next year, it nevertheless is seeking to impose pay cuts over a five year term,” she said.


Fórsa is continuing to engage with Ryanair management. The Government’s coronavirus-related wage subsidy scheme remains in place until 21st June, but it’s widely expected to be extended beyond that date.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Coillte shifts to recreational focus
by Mehak Dugal
 

All nine of Coillte’s Dublin forests are to shift to non-commercial recreational use, replacing commercial operations with a focus on increased biodiversity.


All nine of Coillte’s Dublin forests are to shift to non-commercial recreational use, replacing commercial operations with a focus on increased biodiversity.

 

The initiative forms part of the company’s ‘Dublin mountains makeover,’ which will see an area of over 900 hectares move away from felling and replanting, to create a permanent green canopy. It’s the largest ever project of its kind in Ireland.

 

Dr Ciarán Fallon, Director of Coillte Nature, said the Dublin mountain woods were unique among the Coillte forest parks. They attract over 600,000 people every year, making them one of the most visited outdoor areas in the country.

 

These sites provide urban crowds with a much sought after break with fresh air and nature. Coillte’s most popular forest, Ticknock attracts sees over 550 visits every day.

 

The project aims to replace the biodiversity in the forests to create a better habitat for wildlife and improve the appeal of the forests.

 

The first of Coillte’s Dublin mountain forests was planted in the 1940s when Dublin was a much smaller city. The capital’s significant growth since has increased demand for recreational forest facilities.

 

Until now, the areas have been managed mainly for commercial purposes, but their popularity and proximity to the city made them the perfect site for this project.

 

Fórsa official Johnny Fox, who represents Coillte staff, welcomed the decision. “Coming in the middle of our worst ever health and economic crisis, this announcement by Coillte is a welcome initiative that puts the needs of citizens ahead of commercial requirements.

 

“At a time when we are beginning to come out of lockdown, Coillte has gifted communities across the country a wonderful natural amenity that will bring joy to many citizens and showcase the natural beauty of our native forests which, sadly, are not as accessible as they should be,” he said.

 

The project, which is being led by Coillte Nature, gets underway next month and is expected to continue for a number of years.

 

The nine Coillte forests cited for conversion are Ticknock, Kilmashogue, Ballyedmonduff, Massy’s Wood, Hell Fire Club, Cruagh, Tibradden, Barnaslingan and Carrickgollogan.

 

Get more information and sign up for newsletters HERE.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Union sought to save CityJet jobs
by Niall Shanahan
 

Fórsa trade union’s IALPA branch, which represents pilots, has entered a 30-day consultation period about redundancies in the airline CityJet.


Fórsa trade union’s IALPA branch, which represents pilots, has entered a 30-day consultation period about redundancies in the airline CityJet.

 

The process, required under collective redundancy legislation, follows last week’s announcement of up to 280 job losses at the airline’s Dublin base.


Pilots had sought to implement alternatives to redundancies, which would have enabled the Dublin base to remain ready for an anticipated recovery in demand later in the year.


Ialpa said almost all the airlines pilots would go under company plans. It said these jobs will be leaving the state, with flights operated by staff based elsewhere.


The airline flies routes on behalf of other airlines including SAS and Aer Lingus. But the Aer Lingus contract, which supported over 1,100 jobs, was recently cancelled. The company employs around 400 people in Dublin.


The union said that CityJet’s announcement came despite alternative approaches proposed by Ialpa, including a proposed pilot salary reductions of up to 50%. These measures were proposed in order to facilitate CityJet’s exit from the examinership process it entered at the end of April.


Fórsa official Ian McDonnell said: “Our aim was to retain a connection between the airline and its employees in anticipation of a return to growth. It is a uniquely difficult situation, but pilots clearly indicated they were prepared to make significant sacrifices in order to keep the Dublin base operation-ready.

 

They are currently on the government wage subsidy scheme, receiving €350 per week with no top up from Cityjet.


“Despite the alternative approach we offered, it’s become clear that CityJet intends to crew its Irish registered aircraft out of Dublin with employees based in Denmark and possibly other Scandinavian bases,” he said.


CityJet has a contract with SAS which is held by its Irish parent company CityJet DAC.


Mr McDonnell added: “It’s extremely disappointing, particularly because Mr. Justice Michael Quinn, in granting the examinership, stated the number of people employed in the company was a relevant factor. CityJet’s Dublin base has been in operation for 27 years, and many pilots have spent the majority of their aviation career with the airline.”


Mr McDonnell said the airline is to provide further information to the union following yesterday’s meeting, and expects another engagement in the coming days.

 

Ialpa says it will continue to present feasible options to CityJet for the retention of Dublin based pilot jobs during the 30 day consultative period. It is hoped Cityjet will accept these proposals and forego the decision to make Dublin jobs redundant.

New union guidance for remote working
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa has published new advice for workers who will be working remotely in the medium or long-term.


Fórsa has published new advice for workers who will be working remotely in the medium or long-term.

 

The guidance was produced as the Government’s recently-announced ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’, made it clear that many public servants and others will continue to work from home for some time.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working circumstances of almost half of Ireland’s workers, with more than a third now working from home. This extended period of remote working is a new experience for most.

 

While some have now established a productive and rewarding remote working routine, it can be a struggle at times.

 

Working at home: Staying safe, connected, healthy and productive contains advice on health and safety, setting up a workspace, breaks, staying in touch with managers and colleagues, and balancing work with home life and childcare.

 

The guide also contains useful tips on data protection, cybersecurity, and safeguarding your mental health.


Róisín McKane of Fórsa’s Communications Unit drafted the guidance. “Many union members could be working remotely for longer than they ever expected. This information will help them to navigate home working for an extended period.

 

“You may be out of the workplace, but you can still rely on certain legal protections, and you should look to your employer for the supports you need to do your job safely and well,” she said.

 

Read the Fórsa guidance HERE. 

 

If you have questions or concerns about your own situation, you can contact Fórsa HERE

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Semi-states ponder workplace return
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa has raised concerns about the selection of employee Covid-19 safety representatives, as many staff in semi-state organisations prepare to return to workplaces over the coming weeks.


Fórsa has raised concerns about the selection of employee Covid-19 safety representatives, as many staff in semi-state organisations prepare to return to workplaces over the coming weeks.


The appointment of the safety representative is one of the safeguards set out in a ‘return to work safety protocol,’ negotiated by unions, employers and the Government.

 

The protocol outlines the steps that employers and workers must take to ensure a safe workplace as staff return when coronavirus-related restrictions are relaxed in the coming weeks and months.

 

The head of Fórsa’s Services and Enterprises Division Angela Kirk said unions must be involved in the selection and appointment of the reps so that workers can have confidence that they will be well protected from the virus.

 

She said the issue was being managed by union officials and branches in each of organisations. There have been discussions in a range of semi-states including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Transport Authority, Safefood, Teagasc, An Post and Road Safety Authority. Most are establishing groups to look at the return protocols.


“We are actively engaging with employers in the sector to discuss local arrangements on returning to work in line with the national protocol,” she said.


Angela said remote working was likely to continue in most agencies for the time being, with staff in the majority expected to start returning to workplaces from 10th August under ‘phase 5’ of the Government’s ‘roadmap for reopening society and business.’


However, An Bord Pleanàla wants to start bringing people back incrementally before that date.

 

The return to work safety protocol was recently agreed between the Government, unions, and employer representatives through a tripartite body called the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan is one of four union reps on the LEEF.

 

It requires employers to implement a number of measures in advance of staff returning to workplaces. These include appointing Covid-19 workplace representatives, preparing information and training for staff, taking steps to underpin social distancing, cleaning and sanitising premises, and assessing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

Read Fórsa’s members’ guide to returning to work HERE

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Childcare concerns grow as restrictions ease
by Hazel Gavigan and Bernard Harbor
 

Increasing number of workers could struggle with childcare problems in the coming weeks as employees migrate back to workplaces after working remotely.


Increasing number of workers could struggle with childcare problems in the coming weeks as employees migrate back to workplaces after working remotely.

 

The Government’s ‘roadmap for reopening society and business,’ launched earlier this month, saw some workplaces reopening last week. And, while many workers will continue to work at home for some weeks or even months, a growing number are set to return to offices and other workplaces.

 

But the Government’s plan envisages crèches, childminding and pre-school facilities reopening “in a phased manner,” for essential workers from the end of June. This will gradually increase to other workers, on a phased basis, from 20th July.

 

Half of all workers depend on such childcare facilities, and the Government’s roadmap says they could initially open for just a day a week before “slowly increasing thereafter.” Schools and colleges won’t open to students until September at the earliest.

 

Meanwhile, a new report from the union-backed Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) says women are set to be disproportionately affected by this “misalignment” of the return to workplaces and reopening of childcare facilities.

 

It says access to childcare will be a significant issue for many people returning to work as around 40% of workers have dependent children.

 

Although the official focus on childcare is on the reopening of schools and crèches, NERI says many people rely more on family members and friends. Its senior economist Lisa Wilsons said that accounts for half of workers in the Republic of Ireland.

 

“This dominant reliance on family is particularly important in the context of current public health restrictions as wider family circles are currently unable to physically interact with each other,” she said.

 

Given the poor policy intervention to address this issue, there is a serious risk that lack of access to childcare will affect families’ ability to leave the home and participate in the labour market.

 

Ms Wilson said the coronavirus had intensified gender inequality in the home as women assume the bulk of caring responsibilities.

 

“Research has highlighted that without access to childcare, gendered patterns of care are being replicated during lockdown and in many cases magnified.

 

“It is a well-known fact that women’s disproportionate responsibility for childcare within the home affects their ability to enter and progress equally in the labour market. This inequality is now being exacerbated by the lack of access to childcare owing to the Covid-19 crisis,” she said.

 

Get more information HERE

 

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

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Also in this issue
Covid-19: Advice to Fórsa members
 

Fórsa has updated its advice on coronavirus-related work issues for civil servants and staff in the wider public service. The advice covers attendance at work (including for pregnant workers and those with health vulnerabilities), salary protections for those self-isolating, temporary staff transfers, childcare and more. Read it HERE.

 

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Employers move on annual leave
by Bernard Harbor
 

A number of employers have reminded staff to take annual leave, despite continuing coronavirus restrictions on travel.

 

An Post has told staff to take at least seven days leave before the end of June, while the union has won an extra carry-over allowance into 2021.

 

In eir, management has said 60% of leave must be taken by the end of September, although Forsa won a provision that allows discussion in individual cases. Again, the union secured an additional carry-over facility.

 

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority has proposed that driver testers take seven days leave by end of July. The union is due to enter discussions on this.

 

Employers across the economy have turned their attention to the issue as the Covid-19 crisis has inhibited staff from taking leave over the last three months – and travel restrictions have scuppered family holiday plans.

 

There is a legal health and safety requirement to ensure that workers take a certain amount of leave in a given period.

 

And, for operational reasons, most employers are keen to avoid a build-up of leave, or situations where high numbers of staff are absent at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Join Fórsa online
 

Workers who wish to join Fórsa can to do so using a new ‘join online’ function on the union’s website.

 

Going live with the new system follows several months of research, preparation and testing aimed at making it easier than ever to join the union. It also goes live as the union continues to process a large number of new membership applications, as interest in joining the union has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan commented: “The current crisis has created the necessity to be able to carry out our business in different ways. Work on this project had commenced before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and its completion marks a vital step as we tackle the challenges of living in changed times.

 

“We can see that more people want to join a union in response to what’s happening in the wider economy. It’s vital that they can take those initial steps quickly and easily, and making the membership application process more accessible is part of that process.

 

“This is a crucial new venture to enable Fórsa to substantially increase our membership - and to strengthen the union’s hand - at a critical time in the union’s development,” he said.

 

The online facility is a streamlined and simplified membership application process, and will be the quickest and easiest way to join the union. All incoming applications will continue to be subject to check-off and approval by Fórsa branches and the national executive committee, while the new online system is designed to ease the administrative burden on branches.

 

You can join Fórsa online at https://join.forsa.ie/

 

ICTU calls for massive stimulus
by Bernard Harbor
 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for a massive fiscal stimulus, with public investment across a range of public service and infrastructure projects, as part of a plan for Ireland’s recovery from the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.


‘No going back: a new deal towards a safe and secure future for all’ also calls for universal free public health care, a massive programme of public house building, a cap on the price of childcare, increased investment in education, and the scrapping of plans to increase the State pension qualification age to 67.


The paper outlines proposals for a ‘green new deal’ to tackle climate change, and includes environmental taxes among measures to fund its ambitious programme. It also calls for higher taxes on wealth – including inheritance and gifts – as well as higher “social contributions” from employers.


It says that Ireland’s tax take per person lags behind the EU average, along with its spending on public services.


‘No going back’ also sets out demands for stronger social dialogue and collective bargaining rights.


Launching the programme, ICTU general secretary Patricia King warned against a sudden removal of income supports for workers laid off as a result of the pandemic.


“The response to this crisis has to be different this time. Austerity is neither socially acceptable nor economically necessary. We believe that the length and depth of the recession will be determined, at least in part, by the policies we choose and values that guide us,” she said.


She said that, like all other states, Ireland would need to borrow, taking advantage of low interest rates to create jobs and re-establish economic activity.


“We need to couple this with reform. Our paper clearly shows that employers pay considerably less than their European peers when it comes to employers’ PRSI. The State, as the backer of last resort, needs to be adequately financed and all sectors have to pay their fair share,” she said.


Read the report HERE.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Fórsa chief welcomes €1.85 trillion proposal
by Bernard Harbor and Anna Heverin
 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan has welcomed a proposed European Commission post-Covid recovery plan, worth €750 billion, which would bring the total EU budget to €1.85 trillion over the next seven years.


In an opinion piece for the Irish Examiner he said the move suggested that the EU was moving away from the austerity of previous years, and towards the ‘social democratic’ policies favoured by trade unions.


And he called on the incoming Irish Government to follow suit and “avoid poor choices that hurt ordinary workers and their families and put the concerns of citizens down the agenda.”


The Commission’s proposed ‘next generation’ budget envisages the EU deploying a blend of spending, grants and borrowing. Support would be available to all EU member states, with most going to those worst affected by the pandemic.


This would include a new ‘recovery and resilience facility,’ worth €560 billion in financial supports for climate action, ‘digital transition,’ and other projects. It also includes almost €10 billion to strengthen health security and prepare for future health crises.


Launching the plan in Brussels on Wednesday (27th May), European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyden said her proposal would allow Europe to deal with the present crisis and prepare for the future.


But she warned that it required unanimous backing from EU member states. There is resistance from the so-called ‘frugal four’: Austria, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.


In his Examiner article, which first appeared as a Fórsa blog earlier this week, Kevin Callinan identified a “sharp switch in EU political direction,” notwithstanding the reservations of those four countries.


“Unlike the conditions that prevailed a decade ago, Europe appears to be moving in what might be characterised as a social democratic direction,” he wrote. Kevin said the Commission’s emphasis on health services was also significant.


“The pandemic has produced a tremendous national effort, led by the health service and our heroic frontline staff, and supported by the wider public service. But this can’t conceal the fact that our infection rates, notably among healthcare workers, are poor compared with countries with better health systems.


“The historical underfunding of our public system, coupled with a convoluted model of private provision in acute hospitals and residential and homecare settings, has impaired our ability to maximise a fully coherent and integrated response,” he wrote.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Bullying costs €240 million a year
by Mehak Dugal
 

Workplace bullying is more prevalent in the public service than in the private sector, but is more likely to damage productivity by causing absences in the latter.

 

That’s according to a new study from NUI Galway, which estimates that bullying-related absences account for 1.7 million lost working days a year, and a total annual cost to the economy of almost €240 million.

 

The study builds on previous research from the university, which showed the relationship between bullying and work-related stress. The new study looks at the economic costs.

 

John Cullinan, who led the research team, said increased incidents of remote working on foot of the Covid-19 crisis was unlikely to eliminate bullying-related costs.

 

His colleague Margaret Hodgins added that the significant economic cost of bullying, as well as the damaging personal impact, warranted a more proactive policy approach to the issue.

 

Read the report HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Fórsa: Here to support you
 

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

 

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

 

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

 

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

 

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.