Planned industrial action by driver testers was suspended shortly before it was due to begin last week, when an agreement was reached on Tuesday 17th February, following extensive engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Under the terms of the agreement there will be changes to operating procedures to allow staff to view proof of insurance, a formal assurance that driver testers are fully covered in all aspects of their work, and clearer guidance on procedures following any incident during a driving test. 

The agreement also provides for a project plan to give driver testers access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database, with Road Safety Authority (RSA) management committing to make the system available within nine months of the necessary regulations being put in place. Fórsa driver testers will be represented on a working group overseeing this process, alongside the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and the Department of Transport. 

Branch chair Philip Lambert said: “We wouldn’t have gotten this result without the resolve shown by our members. This is a basic issue of safety at work. By organising and members committing to taking industrial action, we were able to agree a path ahead that will be safer for everyone- workers, and the public at large.”

Fórsa official Ruairí Creaney paid tribute to the RSA branch committee, and all members in the branch, saying: “This is a significant win for Fórsa members, and it is something union reps in the RSA have been campaigning on for a long time. I would like to congratulate all of you who stood united and strong throughout this dispute.” 

“I would also like to recognise the enormous amount of work put in by the branch committee, particularly Philip Lambert, Robert Christopher and Mitchell Brophy.  They have shown incredible commitment to Fórsa members and provided strong leadership during this difficult period.” 

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