Public Sector pay talks began this week. After initial engagement at the WRC on Monday 27th November the parties adjourned. Talks are now due to reconvene this morning, Friday 1st December at 10am. 

Writing to members ahead of the start of the talks Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan outlined the approach the Public Services Committee of ICTU agreed. 

Kevin said: "We have a short window to negotiate a new deal for the 385,000 public sector workers in Ireland. Pay increases over the last three years have not made up the gap between wages and the cost of living. That gap is felt most acutely by the lowest paid workers, so we want to make sure that any agreement looks after those public sector workers who earn the least."

On Friday 17th of November, the public services unions affiliated to ICTU agreed that a multi-year agreement would only be possible if the Government made a commitment to repealing the remaining elements of FEMPI. 

This emergency legislation, brought in during the crisis, centralises control in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to an excessive extent, which is stopping ordinary industrial relations progressing even when there’s agreement between employers and unions. 

Explaining the impact this has Kevin said: “When this level of central control is being exerted by one Department the statutory system of industrial relations, including the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, and even in some instances, conciliation and arbitration schemes, can’t work as they are meant to.”

However, disappointingly, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe responded that he "was not aware of any practical impact that the Financial Emergency measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act, 2009 has on the conduct of normal industrial relations in the public service.” 

As such, in accordance with the decision of all 19 ICTU PSC affiliates on 17th November, the union negotiators are now concentrating on trying to reach agreement on short-term pay measures to address cost-of-living and labour market pressures. 

Explaining why unions are taking this approach Kevin said: “We don’t want our members to miss out on a possible pay deal. But we cannot commit to an agreement that reduces our capacity to represent members over a prolonged period, that’s why we will focus on a shorter-term agreement.” 

Kevin concluded: "We want a fair, affordable, and sustainable pay deal for the public sector workers of Ireland who contribute so much to our country every day". As talks progress we will continue to update members. 

In a major development in relation to probationary terms and conditions, the Association of Higher Civil ad Public Servants (AHCPS) has prevailed in a High Court judicial review (JR).

The JR has found that probationary terms for civil servants cannot run beyond 1 year, meaning that there is no mechanism to extend probation in any non-statutory circumstances beyond this.

Assistant General Secretary Seán Carabini said: “We have successfully argued for years that probation can’t go beyond the 12 months and that once the 12 months expires, the probation is automatically passed unless the organisaton has made a decision to terminate the contract before then. The AHCPS had need to take this argument on to the High Court and we’re delighted that they have won.”

Explaining the ramifications for probationers, he said: “There are many people who find themselves having to appeal a probationary decision. In many cases, it takes months for the hearing to take place. The official side had always argued that the probationary year was, in effect, ‘paused’ while waiting on the hearing. However, the High Court has now stated that it is not paused as the appeal is non-statutory.”

“Statutory Instrument 686/2022 has played a very important part in this,” he said. “It was introduced in December last and caps public sector probation at a firm 12 months. That means that it cannot be extended – save potential pauses where there is a statutory reason to do so, such as maternity leave, for example.”

Seán continued: “We have made the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform aware of the High Court ruling as it strengthens our call to have civil service probationary terms reduced from 12 months to at most 6. That way, people who needed an additional 3 or 4 months to prove themselves, in exceptional circumstances, could easily be facilitated.”

Workers experiencing domestic violence will now be able to take up to five days leave with full pay, following the introduction of Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 which came into effect last Monday (23rd November).

No prior notice needs to be given and can be taken where the employee is experiencing domestic violence, including coercive control, or where they are supporting their spouse, partner, or child who is the victim.

Fórsa has welcomed the introduction of this vital provision, but the union has committed to continue working to collectively bargain to secure ten days paid leave for workers who need to avail of this support.

Fórsa has long campaigned for the introduction of leave for those experiencing domestic violence, and in May 2022 delegates at Fórsa’s national conference in Killarney unanimously backed a motion from the union’s national executive calling for statutory paid leave for victims of domestic violence. In May this year, delegates at the Services and Enterprises Divisional Conference voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion calling for union efforts to collectively bargain for ten days’ domestic violence leave within the division’s employments.

National secretary Ashley Connolly said that this long-awaited leave is a milestone in this hard-fought campaign.

“The introduction of this leave is vital support for survivors to assist them in making essential changes such as moving out of a violent situation, seeking legal support, and organising care for dependents. No one experiencing domestic violence should have to risk poverty or unemployment to seek support and the introduction of this leave will help workers try to find a pathway out of violence,” she said.

Fórsa's communications and events officer Róisín McKane said it was “a great step forward” in supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

“We know that the effects of domestic abuse spills over into the workplaces - our members have told us. We know that supportive workplaces can make a difference to those suffering domestic abuse and violence, and this leave will make a real difference to those experiencing abuse,” she said.

Ashley said that Ireland is “leading the way” in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence but expressed disappointment at the five-day limit.

“We believe the workplace should be a safe space, a place where the stigma and the shame can be left at the door. Financial independence from abusers is the key to escaping and building a better life. If this new law is to do what is intended, workers must be paid their full wages during absences. Anything less risks putting them in further danger. It’s disappointing that the leave is for only five days, but we will continue to work to collectively bargain to provide for ten days paid leave,” she said.

Fórsa member and Women’s Aid advocate Linda O’Sullivan spoke to Highland Radio earlier this week welcoming the legislation as a first step. You can listen back to that interview here.

2023 was a very successful year for Membership Training and Development as we introduced an additional 22 Fórsa 101 information sessions, 12 live Lunch and Learn sessions, 7 new Foundational Workplace Representatives Training courses and delivered eight custom developed workshops for Branches.

This was in addition to the courses and sessions which already existed, where we also added in extra GDPR, Annual Branch Returns training, and ensured our Branch Officers received excellent training to be effective in their role following AGM season.

To make sure new members know about training opportunities we ask all branches to encourage new members to sign up to a Fórsa 101 information session as soon as they join.

Central to this information session is the consistent message outlining the importance of the member, particularly being active and how they can help build our strength through some simple actions.

Our live Lunch and Learn sessions have been immensely popular and have received registrations upward of 450 members. Due to the phenomenal response and the interest from both members and representatives to these sessions, they are set to be a permanent fixture in our calendar next year.

Our last Lunch and Learn for 2023 takes place on 8th December, with our own Dessie Robinson taking the helm and delivering a session on Dignity at Work. 

2024 is set to be another busy year for all of us in Skills Academy and we hope to introduce some exciting new modular courses for our more experienced workplace representatives, along with a Mentoring Programme for our newest representatives which we plan to pilot in January and launch at our Biennial Conference in May.

Workshop for Branch Treasurers: 18th January 2024

The Annual Branch Returns Workshop is targeted at current Branch Treasurers, particularly Treasurers who are new to the role or who have not received this training previously.

The purpose of the training is to equip Branch Treasurers to be competent in completing the Annual Branch Returns in a timely fashion, to help you fully understand the process and avoid potential pitfalls. This is a very practical training day and will afford participants the opportunity to have their finance, tax and audit questions answered by our finance staff and other qualified personnel.

This course will take place in-person on Thursday 18th January 2024 at our Fórsa Head Office, Nerney's Court, Dublin 1 from 10:00 - 16:00.

Fórsa 101 January 2024

Fórsa 101 is a short information and awareness raising session to welcome new members into the Union and highlight how members can become more engaged in the union locally. This session is specifically targeted to those who have never received any training previously or are not currently active within the Union.

It provides basic information to ensure our members understand exactly what a Trade Union is, the structure of Fórsa and how we do our business, along with discussing how members can become more engaged and have their voice heard locally and their issues raised at Divisional and National levels. The next Fórsa 101 sessions will take place on Wednesday 10th January online, there will be both a morning session at 9.30am and an evening session at 6pm.

The sessions will be between 2 to 2 1/2 hours long and online.

You can register to attend here. The deadline for registration is 10th December.

If you have queries about the Skills Academy, please contact Judith on 021 4255221 or 087 4072603 or by email to skillsacademy@forsa.ie.

Fiona Dunne, 

Director of Training.

Up to a thousand trade union activists gathered beneath the statue of James Larkin in Dublin’s O’Connell Street at lunchtime on Monday (27th November) in a solidarity demonstration organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

The vigil was organised to show solidarity with those injured or caught up in last week’s events, responding to a call by Congress to clearly reject rioting and violence.

Among those to address the vigil was Fórsa SNA member Carol McSherry. She said: “I’d like to express the solidarity of the many thousands of SNAs around the country with the parents and staff of the school communities of Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire and surrounding schools.

“SNAs work with children from diverse backgrounds. The reception that they get from the community will colour the rest of their lives, how they perceive their place in our country. We want them to feel safe, loved and included.

“We gather as friends to offer our love, solidarity and support, and as allies in the healing process that lies ahead. And in your darkest hour, please know that we’re here, in solidarity with you, expressing love and rejecting hate,” she said.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan expressed gratitude and solidarity with those working to protect the city, and to the workers engaged in the clean-up of Dublin city centre: “On behalf of Fórsa’s members, we are appalled at the violence and commend the bravery of those who sought to intervene and prevent further injury.

“Equally, we want to express solidarity with retail, public transport staff and other workers affected by the violence in Dublin city centre, to thank those who continue to protect Dublin and its people, and the medical staff providing care and assistance to those affected. Those engaged in violent disorder don't represent the people of Ireland,” he said.

Congress general secretary Owen Reidy said: "Our bottom line is that every worker, whoever they are, has a right to health and safety, they have a right to go home at the end of their work unharmed.

“We also want to send a message that the xenophobic and racist nature of some of the violence last week does not represent us, we have to reject that. Whether you were born in this city, or whether you were born anywhere in the world, if you live and work here - you are part of our community" he said.

Christian Tei, originally from Romania and a Dublin Bus driver, said it was getting more difficult to do his job in Dublin: “I want to go to work and feel safe, one of my colleagues was attacked because he had a different colour of skin, that is not acceptable”, he said. He said he was born in Romania, has lived in Ireland for 17 years, and is now an Irish citizen: “I am Irish and proud,” he said, drawing sustained applause and cheers from the crowd.

Listen back to some of our recent radio interviews here:

· Fórsa assistant general secretary Liz Fay spoke to RTE’s Claire Byrne on Tuesday about the harassment of Fórsa members working in library services

· Fórsa media relations director Niall Shanahan spoke to Matt Cooper on Today FM’s Last Word programme about the solidarity vigil.

December’s live Lunch and Learn is on ‘Dignity at Work - Understanding what Bullying is and is not’.

This session will be led by Dessie Robinson, retired Fórsa Assistant General Secretary, who coordinated the recently published 'Right to dignity at work' survey and the subsequent seminar held in Fórsa's head office in November. You can read the report HERE.

The session will take place online on Friday, 8th December from 13:00-14:00. Whilst these sessions will be recorded and saved on our YouTube playlist, the live Lunch and Learn will be the time to have your questions answered directly by Dessie.

Everyone is welcome, so please share the details with your colleagues so they can register to attend this online session. To attend please register HERE by Wednesday, 6th December at 13:00.

Supporting the Toy Appeal for Temple Street Children’s Hospital has become a Christmas tradition for Fórsa.

Last year was a hugely successful drive collecting dozens of toys and raising thousands of euro for Children in Temple Street. We have many members working in Temple Street, our next-door neighbours at the Nerney’s Court office in Dublin. Donating toys or vouchers is a simple way to make a difference to the lives of sick children at this special time of year. The appeal also includes the Crumlin, Tallaght and Connolly hospitals.

You can donate to the Fórsa collection by posting a suitable unwrapped new toy to the following address: Fórsa Toy Appeal, Fórsa Trade Union, Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1. The deadline for the delivery of the gifts or vouchers is close of business on Friday, 15th of December. Alternatively, if you happen to be in our Nerney’s Court office between now and then, you can drop off your donations at our collection point. You can see a list of toys which are on the wish-list of patients at the hospital this Christmas here.

Please also note that the hospital does not accept food items, homemade toys, small toys which could be a choking hazard, or used toys due to strict infection control guidelines. Please do not wrap the toys as all toys need to be checked by the hospital before being given to the patients.

If you are not sure what to get the Smyths toys and One for All vouchers were very popular last year. In fact, the Children’s Health Foundation were especially anxious to encourage the voucher option this year. For further information please contact Kevin Donoghue by email at kdonoghue@forsa.ie

As always, we appreciate the support of everyone who participates in the appeal.

Fórsa Communications Unit produces the bulletins you receive every two weeks, with input from across the union.

We would like your feedback on what you like about the bulletins, and what you think could be improved. We want to make sure you are informed and up to date with the union’s campaigns, actions and activities. So please take a few minutes and complete this short survey.

Thank you. 

A team of researchers have been appointed by the Labour Employment Economic Forum (LEEF) through the Shared Island Unit of the Department of An Taoiseach, to review the current conditions of the island of Ireland labour market.

Workers in the region are invited to participate by sharing their experiences via the following brief online survey. You can take part here.

The purpose of the research is to provide an updated evidence base and analysis of the current all-island labour market conditions with a specific focus on the following factors in both jurisdictions and their impacts on the operation of the labour market across the island: personal taxation, pension entitlements and portability, social welfare systems, qualifications, skills, cross-border worker mobility, the changing world of work (i.e., remote / hybrid working), collective bargaining and trade union coverage.

The team includes Maureen O’Reilly who is an independent Economist, Annmarie O’Kane who leads the Border People project with the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Seamus McGuinness and Anne Devlin from the ESRI and Rose Tierney, a cross border accountant and tax specialist.

More information is available here.

All contributions are anonymous. The survey is open until Monday 4th December. For further information please contact Annmarie O’Kane borderpeople@qub.ac.uk.