Fórsa members in Scouting Ireland will move to a three-day week with a commensurate reduction in pay later this month. This comes after the organisation’s board decided to impose a shorter working week due to financial difficulties encountered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staff were informed in February that their working hours would be reduced by 40% after the organisation lost over a fifth of its members last year. While the measure is set to be temporary, there is no indication yet as to when regular hours will be restored.

Fórsa official, Dessie Robinson said the lack of consultation on the decision was disappointing.

“This is not something that staff were involved in and Scouting Ireland didn’t liaise with the union before taking this course of action. We understand and accept the organisation is suffering financially. But we also expect the employer to follow proper protocol and engage with worker representatives before implementing such significant measures," he said. 

The union is meeting Scouting Ireland once a month and is advocating for a return to full-time work as soon as possible.

In a letter circulated to staff, the organisation's chief executive said Scouting Ireland intends to promptly re-instate full time work. “The board is committed in every way to improving our situation and is working towards bringing all staff back to a five-day week as soon as possible,” she said.

Scouting Ireland is one of the largest youth movements in the country with over 12,000 volunteers and 36,000 young members.

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