Articles A
Unions condemn Ukraine attacks
by Mehak Dugal
 

The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), which represents Fórsa and other unions with a collective membership of over 20 million, has condemned the recent Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest terms.


The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), which represents Fórsa and other unions with a collective membership of over 20 million, has condemned the recent Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest terms.

 

The federation has called for the withdrawal of the armed forces and for negotiations to find an agreement to bring security and peace to Europe.

 

The invasion has been condemned by many including the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the European and global trade union movement.

 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan joined a call with leaders of Ukrainian trade unions on Wednesday (2nd March) to hear about the situation first-hand and to learn how best the union can provide practical support.

 

Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Pan-European Regional Council, said the war “hits people and workers first,” and called for democracy to be re-established immediately.

 

“Europe must stand strong against Putin’s aggression and put maximum pressure on his regime, and entourage in particular, to bring about peace and dialogue. We cannot allow policy to be shaped by violence, and we expect world and EU leaders to protect Ukraine’s integrity as well as the security of all other countries in the region.

 

“Solidarity is at the core of trade unionism and our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are showing that’s not just a slogan by putting their lives at risk every day to care for the most vulnerable victims of this invasion. We urge working people who can support their humanitarian efforts to do so,” said Visentini.

 

Over a million people - mostly women and children - have so far been displaced from Ukraine according to the UN Refugee Agency, with scores of people killed in Ukraine, including civilians.

 

In Russia, more than 1,700 brave people protesting against the war have been detained, and the already fragile economy began to weaken yet further immediately after Putin launched the invasion.

 

ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow said: “We mourn for those who have lost their lives and offer our deepest condolences and solidarity to those who have lost loved ones or been injured.

 

“The imposition of sanctions by governments which support democracy and the rule of law is both inevitable and justified and should focus particularly on the entourage of President Putin who is leading Russia down this destructive path and threatening peace in Europe and the world.

 

ITUC has called for world leaders to take urgent and definitive steps to initiate dialogue and find a peaceful solution to this crisis in line with the charter of the United Nations.

 

Demonstrations have been held in cities across Europe to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including rallies across Dublin.

 

Fórsa is also working to provide humanitarian aid to the people affected in Ukraine in the form of a fundraising initiative. To find out more, please visit our website

 

Ukrainian trade unions have been working to provide food and shelter to people after the Russian invasion amid attacks which have left people’s homes, workplaces, and infrastructure badly damaged.


The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPSU) and Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) trade unions, which represent almost 5 million workers, have thrown open the doors of their buildings across the country to people seeking refuge, including women and their children, elderly people and now people wounded in the conflict.

 

Ukrainian trade unions are doing everything they can to contribute to efforts to protect people, peace and democracy and the European trade union movement is providing all the practical and political support it can.

Secretaries pay could rise by 10.6% to 24.5%
by Bernard Harbor and Niall Shanahan
 

Fórsa is recommending acceptance of a package of measures that would see school secretaries transfer to the public service clerical officer pay scale, with 2022 pay increases of between 10.5% and 24.5%, depending on length of service.


Fórsa is recommending acceptance of a package of measures that would see school secretaries transfer to the public service clerical officer pay scale, with 2022 pay increases of between 10.5% and 24.5%, depending on length of service.

The proposal, which follows the union’s lengthy campaign for pay equality for school secretaries and caretakers, would place secretaries with more than ten years’ service on point five of scale, or €29,103 a year,

Those with more than 20 years’ service would move to point seven, which is worth €31,469, and all secretaries would gain from annual increments starting on 1st September 2022.

The package would immediately see substantial increases for a school secretary currently paid on the national minimum wage rate of €13 an hour:

  • A secretary with less than ten years’ service would get a 9 % increase immediately, rising to 10.5% in October
  • A secretary with more than ten years’ service would get a 16.4% increase immediately, rising to 19.4% in October
  • A secretary with more than 20 years’ service would get a 22.6% immediately, rising to 24.5% in October.

 

Earnings would be further uplifted by the application of 22 days annual leave and ten paid public holidays. This means that secretaries could get paid for an extra 6.4 weeks a year on the new rates of pay.

And pay would be increased in line with public service pay awards in future, including a 1% increase this month and a further €500 a year from October.

The deal addresses the problem of secretaries signing on when schools are closed by adding increments to the value of the benefits claimed during layoffs over the past year. If they chose this option, they will not have to sign on for job seekers’ benefit.

The number of additional increments would be calculated on the basis of moving to the next point on the scale once the value of the job seekers’ benefit has been established. This means that the assimilation of many secretaries could be well above point seven on the scale, depending on their personal circumstances.

As well as assimilation into the new pay scale, the deal would establish a centralised payroll system and standardised arrangements for maternity leave, sick leave and annual leave.

Fórsa says that, while the proposals do not include any substantial progress on pensions, the union has reserved the right to press the case for suitable pension arrangements in the future. Andy Pike, who leads Fórsa’s Education Division, said the union had not conceded the pension issue

“It has not been possible to meet the pledges made by senior politicians on the provision of pensions at this stage. But the union ensured that the agreement is silent on the pension issue, which means we can deliver substantial pay improvements now, and keep raising and campaigning on the pension issue. Fórsa believes the claim for pension provision is still valid and it will be pursued,” he said.

The union has embarked on a series of regional information meetings for school secretaries ahead of a ballot on the proposals. An online meeting is also scheduled for 14th March.

Andy said the negotiated proposals marked a timely departure from antiquated arrangements for grant paid school secretaries, a system first established in 1978.

“For more than four decades most school secretaries found themselves employed under terms that left them on low pay, with irregular short-term contracts that force them to sign on during the summer holidays and other school breaks.

“Now we've secured access to proper pay scales, with assimilation arrangements that will significantly improve the living standards of school secretaries. This package provides welcome security of income for thousands of staff. Equally, the arrangements for addressing weeks of lay off when schools are closed are beneficial and will ensure that staff are not penalised financially if they choose not to sign on.

“The proposed agreement represents the best possible terms that could be secured from the negotiations,” he said.

A digital ballot of Fórsa's school secretary members is to commence shortly, and the union will provide a detailed analysis of the proposals.  

Meetings next week:

  • Donegal/Letterkenny- Monday 7th March in Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny from 7pm to 8.30pm
  • Athlone- Tuesday 8th March in Creggan Court Hotel, Athlone from 7pm to 8.30pm
  • Cork- Thursday 10th March in Silver Springs Hotel (Clayton Hotels), Cork from 7pm to 8.30pm
  • Zoom Meeting – Monday 14th March, 7pm to 8.30pm (more details will be posted at forsa.ie)

 

Further information about the proposals is available in this special bulletin issued to Fórsa school secretary members last week.

SNA graduation day at UCD
#RespectForSNAs
by Niall Shanahan & Linda O'Sullivan
 

Last Friday 500 SNAs became first group of students to successfully complete the certificate in Inclusive School Support. The course was developed by UCD for SNAs working in the Irish education system. This short video is part of the #RespectForSNAs campaign. We celebrate the 500 SNA graduates and highlight the failure of the Department of Education to properly recognise the high level of skill and training this qualification represents. Fórsa continues to campaign to ensure these high level training courses are properly accredited.


SNA ballot backs new pay scale point
by Niall Shanahan
 

An extra pay point worth €1,100 is to be added to the top of the special needs assistant (SNA) pay scale after Fórsa members backed the deal in a ballot last month.


An extra pay point worth €1,100 is to be added to the top of the special needs assistant (SNA) pay scale after Fórsa members backed the deal in a ballot last month. The increase, negotiated under the Building Momentum sectoral bargaining clause, was backed by just over 54% of SNAs in a national ballot of the union’s 12,000 SNAs.

The ballot turnout was 62%, and he deal sees maximum earnings for SNAs rise from €41,090 to €42,190.

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike said negotiating an option to increase pay at the top of the SNA scale was the right thing to do.

“Our members had the choice of accepting a higher maximum salary or taking the one per cent general pay increase. Backing the proposal to raise salaries at the top of the scale will raise maximum earnings and improve pension benefits.

“However, it is also clear that more should be done to improve starting pay for SNAs. The length of the scale means that many thousands will have to wait years before they access the new scale maximum due to the length of the current pay scale,” he said.

The ballot of SNAs on the two options arises from terms built into the Building Momentumnational pay agreement. Its sectoral bargaining fund was designed to deal with outstanding adjudications, recommendations, awards and claims that are relevant to specific grades, groups or categories of workers within the various sectors of the public service.

Negotiations between Fórsa and the Department of Education produced a proposal to replace the current 'long service increment' (LSI) on the SNA pay scale with the new increment.

Andy said SNA pay would now increase above and beyond the maximum of the clerical officer scale for the first time. “This demonstrates that it’s possible to adjust and increase the pay of SNAs in our schools, and this is a permanent and pensionable increase,” he said.

Andy said the ballot result nevertheless illustrated the reality of the low salaries offered to SNAs, especially at the lower end of the pay scale: “SNAs have a starting salary of €25,102 per annum, which is 41% below the average industrial wage of €41,912 per annum.

“The outcome of this ballot should be seen as both an endorsement of the long-held view that our SNAs have been undervalued and underpaid, as well as a clear signal to the Government that public servants are worried about rising prices and the increase in their cost of living. This has to be reflected in the next public service pay agreement which will be negotiated over the coming months.”

Remote work legislation 'fatally flawed'
by Bernard Harbor
 

Recently-published legislation that claims to give workers a right to request remote working arrangement is “fatally flawed” and needs major amendments, according to Fórsa and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).


Recently-published legislation that claims to give workers a right to request remote working arrangement is “fatally flawed” and needs major amendments, according to Fórsa and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

 

In a submission to the Oireachtas committee charged with scrutinising the new laws, the union said employers should be obliged to give objective reasons if they refuse an employee’s request to work from home. And it says the long list of grounds for refusal set out in the first draft of the proposed law is far too extensive.

 

Unions also say staff should have a legal right to appeal to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) if their employer turns down a request. As currently written, the bill only allows for a complaint to the WRC on technical grounds. It doesn’t allow an employee to appeal the reason for refusing the request.

 

In oral evidence to the Oireachtas committee earlier this week, ICTU general secretary Patricia King said the Request Remote Work Bill would not deliver robust legislation guaranteeing fair procedure and balancing employer and employee needs in its current form.

 

“While most jobs require a physical presence in the workplace, as many as one in four workers in employment worked from home during the first lockdown. Remote working has now moved into the mainstream of workplace issues.

 

"Remote working has been shown to improve workers’ quality of life and their wellbeing. It can benefit the environment and rural regeneration. It makes good business and economic sense too. Studies repeatedly find that most employers report that productivity either increased or stayed the same over the past two years.

 

“ICTU and affiliates are urging all members of the Oireachtas to work with trade unions and Government in getting this legislation fit for purpose and enacted without delay to ensure that the gains from remote working are not lost,” she said.

 

Fórsa and other ICTU affiliates first called for legislation on requesting remote work in the summer of 2020, saying this would bring Irish workers’ rights in line with other wealthy European countries. The Government agreed, but its proposed law falls far short of what’s required.

 

Read the union submission HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Movement on pension enrolment expected
by Mark Corcoran
 

Social protection minister Heather Humphreys has indicated that final proposals for an auto-enrolment pension scheme will go before Government in the coming weeks.


Social protection minister Heather Humphreys has indicated that final proposals for an auto-enrolment pension scheme will go before Government in the coming weeks. Speaking at a press conference this week, she said she aimed to have scheme in place by the end of 2023, though she admitted that “a good deal of work” remains to be done.

 

Auto-enrolment aims to increase the number of people who have occupational pensions by making it compulsory to join a scheme based on contributions from the worker, the State and the employer.

 

The Irish scheme was originally meant to be in place at the start of next year, but the commencement date has been put back.

 

Fórsa and other unions have repeatedly called for the quick implementation of longstanding plans for auto-enrolment as most people who do not have a pension have indicated that the State pension would be their main source of income on retirement.

 

Union official Billy Hannigan welcomed the minister’s remarks, but said there are now no longer any excuses for a delay in the implementation.

 

“It’s crucial that workers start paying into their pension as early as possible to achieve an adequate source of income once they retire. The auto-enrolment scheme ensures workers will achieve a decent standard of living once they retire.

 

“It is unfortunate that the original deadline of the start of 2023 was shelved due to the pressures associated with Covid-19. However, in the current situation we find ourselves in the Government must find a way to ensure there are no further delays and that the 2023 deadline is met.”

 

A recent Independent Trustee Company survey of pension advisers found 56% believe there will be a delay of one or two years, while a further 38% said auto-enrolment would simply not happen.

Fórsa seeks stronger post-Covid state
by Bernard Harbor
 

Ireland spends 28% less on pensions and 12% less on family and child welfare when compared to high-income EU countries, according to a major new report on The Irish State Post-Pandemic, which was published by Fórsa last week.


Ireland spends 28% less on pensions and 12% less on family and child welfare when compared to high-income EU countries, according to a major new report on The Irish State Post-Pandemic, which was published by Fórsa last week.

 

The research findings, which were produced by the TASC think-tank, call for the retirement age to be kept at 66 and for spending on eldercare supports to increase by 0.4% of national income, or just under €900 million, in the coming years.

 

The Irish State Post-Pandemic also recommends a €1.5 billion increase in funding for the early years sector to bring it up to 1% of national income as recommended by UNICEF, and calls for a trebling of public funding for renewable energy research and development.

 

It adds that State spending on higher education should be returned to 2000s levels of around 1% of national income, with 0.1% of this spending allocated to research. It says the cap on recruitment of permanent staff in the sector should be lifted, and that a long-term strategy for higher education is needed.

 

Drawing on macro-economic analysis, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, the research explores the political and economic space for enhancing the role of the State post-Covid to improve public services, increase social mobility, reduce inequality, and integrate climate action into economic development.

 

It says that, at 40% of national income, Ireland’s State spending is the eighth lowest of the 27 European Union countries, and well below the EU average of 46.5%. “The single largest factor in Ireland’s underspend relative to other countries, and in particular high-income EU countries, is lower spending on social protection,” it says.

 

Other areas of underspend include early years’ provision including childcare, higher education, State-sponsored research, waste management, and environmental protection. Ireland spends just two-thirds of what its peer group spends on basic research.

 

The Irish State Post-Pandemic says the single biggest cause of the shortfall in State revenue compared to high income European countries is low social insurance contributions, particularly on the employer side. It calls for employers’ and self-employed PRSI to be increased to “at least 1% of national income to fund maintaining retirement at 66 and expanding the social wage.”

 

It also calls for the phasing out capital gains tax (CGT) relief, the updating of property values used to calculate local property tax, and the phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. And it says revised EU fiscal rules should be based on the cost of servicing debt rather than the level of deficit or debt itself.

 

The report says: “Public opinion and voting patterns clearly point to the Irish public favouring policies that imply a larger state. Most pressing in the public mind is housing and healthcare, though investments in childcare and climate mitigation policies are also popular.

 

“Policymakers across the sectors share a common desire for substantial policy change focused on confronting long-term economic and social problems and likewise, creating more opportunities for workers and indigenous industries.

 

“They agree that the state will need to expand and that, beyond budget exercises and spending commitments in specific areas, the scope of its responsibility has to be fundamentally altered to be more farsighted and holistic.

 

“A new model would need to encompass research, infrastructure, and local economic and community development. This would facilitate growth and innovation in indigenous industry that would provide greater opportunities for local economic and community development and promotion of social mobility. In turn, that would enable individuals to both lead more fulfilling lives and gain greater trust in political elites and government.”

 

Speaking at last week’s launch, Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said strongly-performing public finances and falling unemployment meant Ireland had the post-Covid scope to deliver a “genuinely new normal.”

 

“This report digs into how we should, and how we can, achieve an expanded state and work towards a best-of-class social wage supported by a competitive environmentally-robust economy founded on secure and well-paid work. It also takes up the challenge of fundamental reform of State finances to bring Ireland in line with the rest and the best of Western Europe.

 

“We spend far less on public services and infrastructure than similar European countries – almost €3,500 less per person each year, or €17 billion in 2019 alone. This is why Ireland lacks the ‘social wage’ enjoyed by workers and communities in comparable European countries: access to free health care at the point of delivery; access to free or affordable childcare and early years’ education; social housing worthy of the name; the opportunity for our kids – and our economy – to benefit and grow through accessible high-quality third level education.

 

“The report acknowledges the contribution of foreign direct investment to the Irish economy, but argues that we can and should reduce our dependence on FDI, not by running it down but by developing parallel indigenous enterprise,” he said.

 

TASC Director Dr Shana Cohen, who co-authored the report, said: “The research for the report revealed that stakeholders across very different sectors all wanted a more joined-up state with long-term strategic plans that address effectively longstanding and growing problems, from gaps in care services to inadequate state investment in wind energy.

 

“This means in a sector like childcare improving both the quality, consistency, and accessibility of care and working conditions, so that childcare providers can attract and keep workers, who will see a future in the occupation and be better qualified to deliver care.”

 

Read the full report HERE

Feature Article
Ukraine: Your chance to help
 

Fórsa members know the meaning of solidarity. That’s why we’re counting on you to help us raise funds for humanitarian relief for the people of Ukraine.

 


Fórsa has launched a humanitarian appeal to help the people of Ukraine, who’ve been displaced by Russia’s unprovoked attack on their country.


The union is appealing to its members and branches to support the brave Ukrainians, who have refused to bend in the face of callous killings, injuries, family separations, hunger, displacement and all the ugly realities of war.


Their courage and determination – plus the solidarity shown by people across Europe and the world – has been truly inspiring.


You can demonstrate solidarity by DONATING TODAY.


Every cent raised from our Fórsa Ukraine Appeal will be donated to organisations who share our values and who can make a speedy and meaningful humanitarian difference.


Give all you can to make a big difference to the ordinary, blameless people caught up in the horror of this war.


Let’s show them that they’re not alone.


Donate HERE and NOW.


You don’t have to be a Fórsa member to contribute to the appeal – all donations are welcome so please feel free to share the link to colleagues and friends who want to make a difference at this difficult time. 


If you prefer to make an offline donation, please contact the coordinator of the appeal, Linda Kelly, at lkelly@forsa.ie 


#FórsaUkraineAppeal #StandWithUkraine #SolidarityMatters #SayNoToWar

 

Members should be aware that participation in the appeal is optional, and should you wish to make a donation you are subject to the iDonate terms and conditions.

Also in this issue
Fórsa supports #NoWomanLeftBehind
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa is supporting the #NoWomanLeftBehind Dublin rally, which will mark international women’s day with a Dublin rally tomorrow (Saturday 5th March). The union is urging members to assembly under the Fórsa banner at the Kildare entrance to Dáil Éireann from 11.45am.

 

Organised by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) the rally will call for an end to violence against women and action on women’s equality. It is supported by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

 

Meanwhile, Fórsa’s equality committee has also called for the urgent introduction of legislation and a more consistent approach to tackle gender-based violence in Ireland. The union has demanded an interdepartmental plan to tackle gender-based violence in the new National Strategy for Domestic Sexual and Gender-based Violence, which is set to be launched later this month.

 

Other demands of the NWCI rally include a reformed healthcare system with women at its centre, greater female representation when decisions affecting women’s lives are made, and access to quality public services including childcare and housing.

 

There will be safe seating for people with mobility issues at the front of the rally. Spaces are limited so if you would like to reserve a seat, please contact NWC’s access officer for the event at susanmcc@nwci.ie or at 087-097-6608.

 

Fórsa is encouraging all members who can to attend the event and demand positive change this International Women’s Day.

 

To mark International Women’s Day, the ICTU Women’s Committee is also set to hold a lunchtime webinar to examine practical ways trade unions can use the ILO Convention 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment, and how unions are developing policies to support victims of domestic abuse as well as supporting members who have experienced sexual harassment. Find out more here. 

Colombia union rep death threats
by Niall Shanahan
 

Trade union members across the globe are being asked to support a campaign to bring an end death threats against union representatives at the German multinational Fresenius in Colombia.

 

Fresenius is a global healthcare and medical technology group, headquartered in Germany, where it is bound by German legislation, and pressure from trade unions, to comply with high quality standards and laws. However, unions say the company operates very differently abroad, with examples of corruption, bribery and tax avoidance, as well as fighting workers’ rights and health and safety concerns during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Colombia is recognised as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for activists and trade unionists. The Colombian state confirms that 145 social movement leaders were murdered in 2021 alone. While many health workers around the world have organised into trade unions to negotiate safer working conditions, attempts to organise at Fresenius in Colombia were met with at least two of their elected leaders being threatened with death.

 

The two union reps, Julian Parra and Claudia López, work for the Fresenius subsidiary Quironsalud. They’ve both requested that their German employer publicly denounce these and all similar threats. Claudia reported the details of the threats to local police. Julian was forced to flee Colombia.

 

Fresenius & Quironsalud have so far ignored or denied repeated official requests made in Colombia, Spain and Germany.

Irish trade union members are being asked to join Claudia and Julian, and their fellow union members internationally, in the call to demand that Fresenius immediately and unconditionally denounce these and any other similar threats against their workers, and to negotiate in good faith with Fresenius workers’ elected trade union representatives.

 

Instead of silence, the company should be ensuring good faith negotiations with their employees’ union.

 

You can show your support by signing the petition HERE

Fórsa unveils free will-writing service
 

Fórsa members can now avail of a will-writing service, at no additional cost, by contacting our service provider HERE

ARAG, who provide the union’s legal advice, domestic assistance and counselling helplines, has created an online portal where members can create their will. Members can access the portal and download their exclusive voucher code HERE.

An estimated 70% of Irish people don’t have a will, and over 45% have started preparations but haven’t got any further. It is important to have a will so that when you die, your money, property and possessions will be shared out according to your wishes.

The service is designed for all. Whether you’re single, married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting. With just a few clicks, your will can be printed and signed and working for you.

Get more information HERE

Just transition discussion online
by Mark Corcoran
 

 

 

 


An alliance of trade unions, environmental groups and civil society organisations are set to meet next Thursday (10th March) to discuss how to protect the livelihoods of workers and communities whose jobs are affected by the shift to a low carbon economy.

 

The Just Transition Alliance (JTA) was founded to help ensure that the practice and principles of a just transition are at the heart of the national policy in response to climate change.

 

A ‘just transition’ follows the principle a healthy economy and a clean environment can co-exist, and that climate action need not mean lost jobs or lower incomes.

 

Fórsa is a founding member of the alliance, and its general secretary Kevin Callinan will be speaking at the event in his capacity as president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

 

Kevin will be joined by International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) leader Sharon Burrow, TASC director Shana Cohen, Friends of the Earth Ireland director Oisin Coghlan.

 

Other founding members of the alliance include ICTU, Siptu, Friends of the Earth and TASC.

 

Next week’s event is being held online, and you can follow it using this link. Pre-registration for the event is essential.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

New contact numbers for Fórsa helplines
by Róisín McKane
 

 

 

 


Fórsa members can continue to avail of free counselling, legal advice and domestic assistance by contacting the union’s helplines, which now have new phone numbers. Qualified personnel are on hand to support Fórsa members 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the following lines:

  • Legal help in bodily injury cases: 0818-776644
  • Legal advice: 0818-776644
  • Confidential counselling: 1800-776655
  • Domestic assistance: 0818-776644

Fórsa members can also avail of a health information service, staffed by qualified nurses, on health and fitness and non-diagnostic advice on medical matters. Advice on allergies, the side effects of drugs and how to improve general fitness are also available as part of this service.

 

The health and medical information line can be reached on 0818 254164, and is available 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public and bank holidays.

 

If you call outside these times, a message will be taken and a return call arranged within the operating hours. More information can be found HERE.

Join Fórsa online
 

 

 

 

 


Workers who wish to join Fórsa can to do so using a new ‘join online’ function on the union’s website.

 

Going live with the new system follows several months of research, preparation and testing aimed at making it easier than ever to join the union. It also goes live as the union continues to process a large number of new membership applications, as interest in joining the union has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan commented: “The current crisis has created the necessity to be able to carry out our business in different ways. Work on this project had commenced before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and its completion marks a vital step as we tackle the challenges of living in changed times.

 

“We can see that more people want to join a union in response to what’s happening in the wider economy. It’s vital that they can take those initial steps quickly and easily, and making the membership application process more accessible is part of that process.

 

“This is a crucial new venture to enable Fórsa to substantially increase our membership - and to strengthen the union’s hand - at a critical time in the union’s development,” he said.

 

The online facility is a streamlined and simplified membership application process, and will be the quickest and easiest way to join the union. All incoming applications will continue to be subject to check-off and approval by Fórsa branches and the national executive committee, while the new online system is designed to ease the administrative burden on branches.

 

You can join Fórsa online at https://join.forsa.ie/

 

Update your contact details