Nearly 90% of members in the Community Welfare Services (CWS) hub in Sligo have voted in favour of industrial action in cases where they are instructed to carry out work appropriate to a higher grade.

There was a 95% turnout in the protective ballot on work-to-rule, up to and including strike action.

The ballot will be used where management move to unilaterally downgrade work from Higher Executive Officer (HEO) to Executive Officer (EO) grade.

The ballot was unanimously approved by the Civil Service Divisional Executive Committee for the union’s members in CWS hub in Sligo, as well as supported by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) Executive Grades and PSO Clerical Sligo Branches.

Fórsa has advised management that the union does not support the downgrading of work carried out by our HEO Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) to EOs and that it expects the DSP to comply with the collective agreement.

The collective agreement refers to the transfer of CWOs to DSP which recognised CWO work - including designated person work - as HEO graded work.

“Designated person work is covered by legislation and while the HEO/CWO grade is not specified, this work has been carried out by the CWO grade over a lengthy period of time,” said Fórsa official Paul MacSweeney.

“The DSP has countered that the work is appropriate to the EO grade and that there is provision to allocate the work accordingly. Accordingly, Fórsa has advised the DSP that the exclusion of our representatives from the consultation and negotiation process will undermine stable industrial relations,” he added.

Fórsa has expressed its open availability for further discussions on this matter to reach a resolution.

Separately, the union has also advised CWOs that there is no onus on them to cover out of hours attendance in the absence of an on-call allowance.

“We have advised members not to complete a role profile form which has not been agreed with Fórsa and includes a liability for extra attendance. Proposals received from Management on compensation for out of hours cover are now actively under consideration,” said Paul.

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Fórsa and the Association of Higher Civil and Public Services (AHCPS) have advised the Department of Social Protection (DSP) that desk booking is not appropriate for members who exclusively work in the office.

The Department of Social Protection had moved to introduce desk booking as under the blended working scheme, blended working staff are no longer guaranteed a dedicated workstation.

The Department had advised that they are implementing the desk booking in order to take account of how offices spaces are actually being used in order to plan for future accommodation needs and to reduce the Departments carbon footprint.

But the unions had asked for an indefinite block book of desks for members not on a blended work pattern, and to ensure those who needed to be in the office every day were promised a dedicated workstation.

Fórsa has now confirmed a revised desk-booking proposal which will provide for indefinite block book of desks for our members who are not on a blended work pattern has been received and is now under consideration.

Staff with a reasonable accommodation in place will not be required to share workstations.

Separately, the union has also advised the Department that Fórsa does not support members signing in on a desk booking app when they have already signed in under the flexible working hours system.

More updates on the proposals will follow once the officers have reviewed it thoroughly to account for staff needs and requirements.

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Fórsa is supporting research examining the workplace experiences of people and their partners who have experienced early pregnancy loss, and is encouraging members to take part in a survey to assist with this.  

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has commissioned the PLACES (Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces) project to establish whether policy interventions are required in the workplace to better support people following early pregnancy loss under 24 weeks’ gestation. Led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, researchers from the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at Cork University Maternity Hospital and University College Cork and University of Galway are examining workplace experiences of people who have had a pregnancy loss. 

As part of this project, the research team would like to hear from people and their partners experienced a pregnancy loss, whilst in paid employment, in the last five years. (A pregnancy loss can include ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or miscarriage, before 24 weeks’ gestation.) You can take part in the survey here. 

Fórsa has previously called for the introduction of a reproductive health leave scheme to support members managing early pregnancy loss, fertility treatments and other reproductive health related matters, after delegates at Fórsa’s national conference unanimously backed a motion in support of reproductive health leave last May.

Fórsa national secretary and equality officer Ashley Connolly said that for far too long, both women and men have had to remain silent in their workplaces about the grief of pregnancy loss or reproductive health matters.

“We know our members are using sick leave and annual leave to try to manage reproductive health issues, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. This is a workplace issue, we should afford empathy and dignity to those going through this experience, supporting workers when they need it the most,” she said.

To date, the PLACES Project has reviewed international legislation to see what laws other countries have around leave from work following pregnancy loss and have reached out to some companies in Ireland to find out about their policies regarding pregnancy loss. To add to their knowledge and understanding of what kind of leave or other supports are needed, they are participants to share their workplace experiences of pregnancy loss.  

National secretary Linda Kelly the research provided a great starting point to have conversations around workplace supports.

“This is a workplace issue and we must afford empathy and dignity to those going through this experience and ensuring accommodation is made for workers at this time,” she said.

Fórsa’s Róisín McKane acknowledged the difficulty and sensitivity of navigating early pregnancy loss in the workplace.

“Eary pregnancy loss is a hugely sensitive and difficult matter that many navigate in silence. We trust that this research will highlight early pregnancy loss as a workplace issue,” she said.

Ashley called on members to take part in this vital research.  

“It is crucially important for employers to support workers when they need the most. This survey will help shape these supports and change how we think about reproductive healthcare in Ireland,” she said.

More information on the study can be found here. 

For support around pregnancy loss please visit:

• Pregnancy & Infant Loss Ireland: https://pregnancyandinfantloss.ie/
• Cork Miscarriage Information and Resources: https://www.corkmiscarriage.com/
• A Little Lifetime Foundation https://alittlelifetime.ie/
• The Miscarriage Association of Ireland: https://miscarriage.ie/
• Féileacáin: Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland:https://feileacain.ie/

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ICTU described the new law as “important legislation delivers a suite of measures to make it easier for workers to combine their professional and personal lives.” The legislation includes improvements to support working parents and carers balance paid work with family care, necessitated to give effect to EU law.

The Bill was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas at the end of March, following extensive work by the cross-union ‘Make Remote Work!’ campaigning group.

The Government’s draft legislation, published in June 2022, attracted huge criticism from Fórsa and other unions, as well as labour law experts and others.

The Bill introduces a new workers’ right to paid leave for victims of domestic violence. However, the legislation only provides for five days of domestic violence leave.

Fórsa wrote directly to the Minister in February 2023, urging him to consider positions on this expressed by several senators at the Seanad Committee Stage debate.

Fórsa has nevertheless committed to working with other trade unions to collectively bargain to secure 10 days paid leave for workers who need to avail of domestic violence leave.

ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy said: “Improved family leave and flexibility on when and how we work is good for workers and families.

“It is good for businesses that get to retain valuable and often highly-trained staff. It is good for society and for the economy too. It will help close the gender gaps in caring, pay, and pensions. It is a win-win.

“Ireland is leading the way in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence. However, 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. Unions will continue to collectively bargain workplace agreements – all of which provide for 10 days paid leave. Our campaign to win full flexibility for all workers continues,” he said.

ICTU policy officer Laura Bambrick said a great deal will depend on the Code of Practice which now to be worked out between the various parties at the WRC. The Bill requires an employer to consider their own needs, those of the employee making the request and the terms of the code when weighing up applications. 

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A draft safety protocol on the use of online video call appointments with customers, sought by Fórsa, has been provided and is under consideration.

Fórsa had previously sought a protocol on the use of the new online video engagement system currently being piloted in a small number of areas in Public Employment Services

Online video engagement is currently being piloted in a small number of areas in Public Employment Services and has facilitated a greater level of remote working for members operating the online video appointments.

The union had raised with management health and safety concerns in relation to video call appointments with customers and has now received a draft protocol on the use of the new system that is being considered by officials.

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Fórsa has sought that individual assessment of roles and staff rather than a blanket restriction on blended working in certain areas is implemented.

The union has said there are members in certain back-office functions who have a proven track record of working from home and who have recently had their remote working days reduced for blended working in 2023.

Access to blended working varies from one to four days across the Department of Social Protection (DSP) depending on whether the function is back office or customer facing.

Fórsa says 61% of DSP staff have been approved for blended working with 1% denied.

Of the 4,241 staff carrying out blended working 987 are working remotely one day per week, 1260 two days per week, 1015 three days per week and 973 working remotely four days per week.

A small number of staff are working 5 days per week remotely on the basis of reasonable accommodation.

The union has said individual assessments of roles and staff will provide greater fairness and equality in rolling out the system, rather than implementing fixed restrictions on numbers that can access the scheme.

Fórsa also welcomed the news that the blanket restriction on blended working available to the union’s members in Community Welfare Service will be reviewed in the near future.

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Fórsa has condemned protesters who have been entering libraries, harassing library workers, and attempting to remove books they deem to be “inappropriate” for children.

The protesters claim that LGBTQ+ books promote ‘gender ideology and pornography’ and violate child protection legislation. They have advised followers to enter public libraries, ask librarians to show them LGBTQ+ books in the aged 12-17 section and take photos of relevant books with “inappropriate” reading materials which “violate” the Children First Act (2015).

Head of Local Authorities Richy Carrothers said the abuse and harassment of public library staff was “absolutely unacceptable”.

Earlier this week the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which manages public libraries, issued library staff with instructions to secure buildings, alert Gardaí and avoid commenting to the media in response to rising numbers of protesters seeking to remove books.

A spokesperson for the LGMA said they were aware of protests and that some library authorities have had to provide additional support to their staff as a result, including information on how to deal with such incidents and how to protect their wellbeing.

Richy supported the public library workers, saying “they should be applauded - not abused”. 

“Libraries represent community hubs for social integration – cultural, educational and academic learning. They are places of critical connection for many. They should be places free from harassment and intimidation for both staff and users,”

We proudly represent hardworking library staff. They do integral work, including creating inclusive communities. We support our dedicated members and won't accept any intimidation of our members in their workplaces!” he said.

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Fórsa issued a communication to members in the Department of Defence last week, following the publication of the report of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces.

In a letter to members assistant general secretary Paul Moyer said the union is conscious that many Fórsa members working at the department work closely with military personnel and may have been affected by the practices highlighted in the report, which revealed “a pattern of unacceptable behaviour, misogyny, discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct within our Defence Forces.”

The report also said that out-of-date policies and procedures for tackling complaints are not fit for purpose.

Paul advised members that, if they’ve been affected directly by these issues, or aware of Fórsa member colleagues who have been affected, that the union is here to assist, advise and provide support.

Paul added: “The Minister has commented that the report is a watershed moment and is far-reaching, stark and shocking, and highlights a need for fundamental change. He further notes that the government will be accepting all of the recommendations contained in the IRG report.”

The recommendations in the report include:

• Establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with individual complaints, including sexual misconduct.
• Setting up an External Oversight Body to increase transparency and accountability; and to drive necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces;
• Urgently reforming the existing mechanisms for making a complaint to restore faith and trust in the complaints process.
• Preparing legislation to:-

• establish an independent complaints mechanism for serving members of the Defence Forces;
• establish the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis; and
• amend the Defence Act, 1954 to allow all allegations of rape, or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

• a significant programme of reform and culture change delivered by external experts, with measures to eradicate reprisals and retaliation, and develop new policies on gender, inclusion and diversity.

You can access the full report HERE.

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The latest edition of CSQ is now live.

Check it out here.

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Applications are now open for the 2023 Fórsa Gaeltacht grant scheme, which will make 80 grants of €150 each available to assist children of Fórsa members attending residential Irish language courses in Gaeltacht areas this summer.

A further 40 grants of €70 are available to assist children to attend day-only Irish language courses held outside Gaeltacht areas.

Children of Fórsa members, who are aged between 11 years and 18 years of age on 1st July 2022, are eligible to apply for the grant scheme. You can download the application form HERE.

Please download the form to a folder on your device prior to filling it out.

If you cannot use the fillable form online please print the form, complete it in black pen and return it to:

General Services Committee,

Gaeltacht Scheme,

Fórsa, Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1,

D01 R2C5.

It should arrive before 5.30 PM on Thursday 1^st June 2023.

All queries and applications should be sent to this email address.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), along with the Government, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), IBEC, the CIF and NISO will collectively mark Workers’ Memorial Day Ireland on April 28th.

The annual commemorative event, which takes place at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 from 10.30am, remembers those killed, injured, made ill and bereaved through work-related accidents.

Congress Assistant General Secretary Owen Reidy will be joined by Mark Cullen, interim CEO of the Health & Safety Authority, and Minister Neale Richmond TD who will lay a wreath on behalf of the State to remember those workers we have lost.

In Ireland in the ten-year period between 2013 and 2022, 461 people died in work-related incidents and many thousands more were severely injured or made ill. In 2022 alone, 27 people died in work-related incidents.

Fórsa said these were unacceptable figures which can be reduced through a combined and intensified effort by all concerned. By working together and promoting the practice of safety and health in workplaces throughout Ireland we can achieve a significant drop in these dreadful numbers. “We all have a responsibility to make sure that happens,” the union said.

Workers representing a variety of sectors will also lay flowers in memory of those who have been killed, injured or made ill at work. The important occasion also collectively recommits to making workplaces safer.

Global figures show that a worker dies at least once every ten seconds. Even more are left with life-altering injuries and illnesses because their employer did not protect them.

Workers’ Memorial Day presents an important opportunity to remember and to consolidate everyone’s focus around a single day with the single message that workplace deaths are preventable.

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Over 150 delegates from trade unions across the island gathered in Dundalk for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU) seminar to mark International Women's Day.

A wide range of speakers under the broad theme of ‘Women Demanding a better deal’ contributed to the event, including ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy, who outlined his priorities for the movement into the future.

The event also heard from a range of speakers such as Ethel Buckley (SIPTU) on the challenges of converting positive attitudes to unions into membership and taking advantage of upcoming changes in the legal framework governing collective bargaining.

Other speakers were Taryn Trainor on UNITE's Regina Coeli campaign, Sorcha Tunney from the Irish Coalition on Business and Human Rights, Vanessa Paszkowska, Peer Researcher and Jenny Liston, Roma Programme Coordinator, Pavee Point on the experience of Roma in the labour market, as well as Councilor Alison Gilliland on gender and climate action.

The seminar also marked the Work Life Balance Bill passing the final stages in the Oireachtas, but noted that the leave must go farther than its current form to truly support survivors of domestic abuse.

Responding to the passing of the Work-Life Balance Bill by both Houses of the Oireachtas, Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Owen Reidy said: “This important legislation delivers a suite of measures to make it easier for workers to combine their professional and personal lives.

Mr. Reidy said Ireland was leading the way in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence.

“However, 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,” he said.

“It is disappointing that the leave is for only 5 days. Unions will continue to collectively bargain workplace agreements – all of which provide for 10 days paid leave,” he added.

Also at the Seminar, the cross-union ‘Make Remote Work!’ campaigning group welcomed the Government delivering on its commitment to a new workers’ right to request remote work, after a previous false dawn.

“The campaign to win full flexibility for all workers continues,” Mr. Reidy said.

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Latest research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) revealed the migrant labour market was greatly affected by the pandemic and its health measures, compared to other groups of workers.

The research finds while the employment rate among migrant workers was above that of Irish-born workers, 77 per cent and 72 per cent respectively, the unemployment rate sharply increased for migrant workers from 5.8 per cent to 9.1 per cent in the first year of Covid.

Another concerning discovery of the report finds migrants to be at a greater risk of poverty, while also facing more barriers in accessing affordable housing.

The report's lead author Dr Frances McGinnity said "This report shows that migrants in Ireland have employment rates and levels of education that exceed those of the Irish-born population, with certain groups such as African migrants showing particular progress,"

"Nevertheless, Ireland faces substantial challenges in integrating those that come to live here, particularly in areas that are currently under substantial pressure," she said.

Dr McGinnity also highlighted the particular challenges faced in the area of housing, stating the group was "disproportionately concentrated in private rented accommodation and facing affordability challenges".

"Measures to address major current challenges in the Irish housing market are urgently needed to improve this situation," she added.

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Fórsa members can now save 50% on their AA Roadside Rescue plan, through a new and exclusive union negotiated scheme.

This new AA Roadside Rescue offer provides for 24/7 roadside breakdown assistance in Ireland and the UK for just €6 a month, and will provide cover whether driving or as a passenger.

This new offer can be accessed exclusively through this portal.

Contact the AA here for more information.