Fórsa has written to Dublin City Council (DCC) once again expressing disappointment and frustration at the continued use of private contractors to carry out work that should be done by DCC staff. 
There has been repeated engagement with waste management in relation to this issue, but the outsourcing to private contractors of work previously carried out by DCC workers continues. The work concerned includes the removal of graffiti, street cleaning, painting, street washing and general operative work.

Fórsa official Adam O’Maolagain described how members across all affected sites continue to raise the issue of outsourcing. 

“We have had ongoing discussions with management on behalf of members regarding this very serious issue and while some progress has been made, we are at an impasse. Work continues to be outsourced and we will not accept this. Work proper to DCC workers directly should remain the work of employees, not third-party contractors,” he said.

In a letter on behalf of the Municipal Employees' Divisional Executive Committee, Fórsa’s Convener Thomas Murtagh cited a lack of consultation and said that while it is accepted through the national agreements that due to a specific task or for a specific period it may be appropriate to outsource work, these reasons do not apply here. 

“There has also been no attempt by DCC to consult with Fórsa ahead of putting contracts out to tender which is an obligation of DCC under the national agreements. Since the issue was raised with waste management almost two years ago, more vehicles have been ordered, more staff brought on and still work traditionally being done by DCC staff is being lost,” he said. 

Thomas said that members have engaged in good faith and have gone through the process, but this issue persists. 

“We are proud of the work we do and hold the tradition and legacy of our roles, which we have hold in the highest regard. We also take pride in what we will pass to the next generation and our own legacy so we will not see this work walk out the door without a fight,” he said. 

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