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Councils see smooth return to workplaces
by Hazel Gavigan
 

The return of local authority staff to their workplaces is largely proceeding smoothly as a result of extensive consultation between Fórsa and with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which represents council employers.


The return of local authority staff to their workplaces is largely proceeding smoothly as a result of extensive consultation between Fórsa and with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which represents council employers.

 

Peter Nolan, who heads the union’s two local authority divisions, says there are problems in libraries, and Fórsa was monitoring the situation across the sector and responding to any issues as they emerge.

 

“It is likely that amendments to the phasing set out in the Government’s roadmap could pose problems, particularly in relation to employers’ capacity to allow members work remotely. We are ready to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the saftey of both staff and service users are prioritised,” he said.

 

Earlier concerns about the lack of alignment between LGMA guidelines and the union-negotiated return to work safely protocol have abated after the employers’ body responded to union requests for the proper implementation of the protocol.

 

The LGMA also accepted a Fórsa proposal which is seeing lead worker safety representatives in all 31 councils nominated from lists drawn up by the three main local authority unions, Fórsa, Siptu and Connect. 

 

These representatives are responsible for working with management to ensure the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and monitor adherence to the measures.

 

 

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Over 150 participate in libraries webinar
by Hazel Gavigan and Bernard Harbor
 

Safety concerns associated with an accelerated resumption of library services featured strongly in Fórsa’s first ever webinar for library staff, which took place yesterday (Thursday).


Safety concerns associated with an accelerated resumption of library services featured strongly in Fórsa’s first ever webinar for library staff, which took place yesterday (Thursday).

 

Hosted by the union’s local government and local services division, the event attracted over 150 participants at its peak.

 

This represents well over 10% of Fórsa members who work in libraries, and the event is among the largest interactions the division has had with a single group of members.

 

Fórsa intervened last month when it was announced that library services would start to resume from 8th June. As a result, a ‘click and collect’ facility was established, which meant limited physical access to libraries, with books quarantined before and after use.

 

It subsequently emerged that some local authorities were preparing to allow the public to make appointments to browse library shelves. This was done without consultation with Fórsa, which raised fears that it would undermine the quarantining of books.

 

The union’s contacts with individual local authorities slowed the process in some local authorities. Fórsa is also in contact with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which collectively represents council employers.

 

The head of Fórsa’s two local authority divisions, Peter Nolan, said the original ‘click and collect’ service was designed to protect the safety of staff and service users alike. “The proposed change would mean public access to main library areas, and the 72-hour book quarantining period would cease,” he said.

 

Peter told the webinar that quarantining had continued in all areas, and said the union would follow up after one webinar participant said it had stopped in her library.

 

Questions were also raised about cleaning toilets and computer equipment, controlling the numbers of people in library premises, staff who self-isolated because of underlying medical conditions, workforce planning, flexitime and more.

 

The webinar featured contributions from Edel Scally (chair of the union’s non-professional library vocational group), Shelley Healy (chair of the professional technical group), local government division cathaoirleach Seán Reid, and Tom Browne from the divisional executive committee.

 

Edel said the last three months had been difficult for libraries and their staff, who had stepped up to huge challenges in switching to remote service provision. “The staff know and understand the people who use libraries. We’re a great source of information for developing services. Libraries need to learn from Covid and become more innovative,” she said.

 

Shelley urged library staff to contact the union if they had fears about the resumption of face-to-face services or other issues.

 

“There’s an awful lot of frustration, anxiety and concern out there. People feel let down because of poor communications from management. This heightens anxiety, but Fórsa members can get information and advice from the union,” she said.

 

Seán and Tom spoke about the division’s work on pre-Covid issues including staffless library services, the protection of staffed opening hours, safeguarding procedures for filling posts, and ensuring the provision of health and safety risk assessments.

 

 

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Fórsa declares return of normal industrial relations
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa’s elected National Executive Committee has advised its branches and officials that significant changes to – or departures from – agreements governing pay and working conditions should again be negotiated through normal industrial relations procedures from Monday 29th June.


Fórsa’s elected National Executive Committee (NEC) has advised its branches and officials that significant changes to – or departures from – agreements governing pay and working conditions should again be negotiated through normal industrial relations procedures from Monday 29th June.

 

This is a significant return from the union’s recent temporary position of cooperation with far-reaching changes to work practices, without negotiation or agreement, during the Covid-19 public health crisis.

 

On 13th March – the day after the Government closed schools and crèches as part of a major lock-down aimed at containing the Covid-19 virus – Fórsa advised its members to “co-operate with all necessary measures, including some that might not be acceptable in normal times.”

 

This underpinned the union’s determination to facilitate “emergency measures necessary to contain the Covid-19 virus, protect the health and safety of citizens and workers, and maintain essential services during an unprecedented public health emergency.”

 

That policy has remained in place since the height of the pandemic. But the union is changing the emphasis now that the virus has been largely contained and the economy is being rapidly reopened.

 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said he was proud of the way public servants and other workers have helped save lives, contain Covid-19 and maintain essential services –often by putting their own safety at risk.

 

“We’ve witnessed an heroic response to the emergency, and the universal acceptance of the need to set normal industrial relations aside and cooperate with huge – albeit temporary – changes to working conditions was a substantial part of that effort.

 

“Now that the virus has been largely contained, and the economy is being rapidly reopened, major changes must again be subject to agreement between managers and workers’ representatives. That doesn’t mean new measures can’t be proposed and implemented, or that some of the positive changes we’ve seen must be abandoned. But it does mean they will have to be negotiated,” he said.

 

In a written submission to the Oireachtas Special Committee on the Covid-19 Response, published at the beginning of this month, the union raised the need for a return to normal workplace industrial relations.

 

Since then, there has been a significant acceleration of measures set out in the Government’s ‘roadmap for the reopening of society and business.’ The penultimate phase gets underway on Monday (29th June), with the final phase due on 20th July, rather than the originally-planned date of 10th August.

 

Fórsa said public servants and others had “readily accepted” the union’s stance on industrial relations during the crisis because they recognised the scale and seriousness of the emergency.

 

The three months that followed saw huge changes to working conditions including a massive shift to remote working, the designation of services as essential, the allocation of staff to high-risk work environments, temporary reassignments, new health and safety measures, and changes to rostering and shift patterns.

 

Kevin said there had been a high degree of consultation with unions, even though senior management was ultimately making the decisions. Though these were not negotiations, the consultation – at national and sectoral level – meant Fórsa was able to influence policy, express concerns on behalf of workers, and highlight the possible consequences of proposed measures.

 

“Along with Ireland’s strong public service ethos, which engendered a committed and determined response to the crisis among civil and public servants, this consultative approach underpinned an exceptionally high degree of cooperation with rapid and dramatic demands and changes,” he said.

 

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

Further relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions
by Bernard Harbor
 

Businesses in most sectors of the economy will be able to trade from Monday (29th June) as the Government announced further relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions when it met last week.


Businesses in most sectors of the economy will be able to trade from Monday (29th June) as the Government announced further relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions when it met last week. But official advice continues to urge organisations to maintain remote working where possible as efforts to contain the coronavirus continue.

 

Under phase three of ‘roadmap,’ crèches and other childcare facilities can open to essential workers from Monday. But it will be late July before these facilities are available to other workers, and then only on a ‘phased’ basis.

 

The Government is urging people to walk or cycle to work where possible, and to use face-coverings when using public transport.

 

Fórsa updated its guidance to members as a significant number of civil and public service and other employers stepped up plans for the re-opening of workplaces on foot of the acceleration of ‘return to work’ measures.

 

Earlier this month, it was also announced that some 500 agriculture, environmental health and labour inspectors would get powers to enforce coronavirus workplace health measures on foot of union pressure for a more stringent application of safety regulations.

 

Fórsa continues to insist that workers’ safety cannot be compromised as more people return to workplaces after a long stretch working at home. It says employers must fully implement safety measures agreed between the Government, unions, and employers last month.

 

These are set out in a ‘return to work safety protocol,’ which outlines the steps required to ensure a safe workplace as restrictions are relaxed.

 

Read Fórsa’s advice on a safe return to workplaces HERE.

 

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

Civil defence shortfall re-emerges
by Hazel Gavigan
 

Civil defence officers have resolved not to undertake new duties until their claim for the appointment of assistants is agreed and implemented.


Civil defence officers have resolved not to undertake new duties until their claim for the appointment of assistants is agreed and implemented.

 

A proposal to boycott new regional and national engagements are also under active consideration by the group.

 

Fórsa is seeking an extension of a two-month arrangement, which saw senior volunteers appointed as assistant civil defence officers at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The head of the union’s local government and local services division, Peter Nolan said the employers had appeared to be supportive of the proposal, but the defence department has not provided funding.

 

Most local authorities don’t have assistant civil defence officers. “This places an unreasonable burden on civil defence officers with regards to out of hours working and annual leave,” according to Peter.

 

Governance issues have also emerged because senior volunteers sometimes take on duties that are only appropriate to employees.

 

The staff concerned have given an assurance that its action will not affect the civil defence response to Covid-19.

 

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Vets set on action
by Hazel Gavigan
 

Local authority vets have voted unanimously in favour of taking industrial action over a proposal to transfer them from council employment to the Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI).

 


Local authority vets have voted unanimously in favour of taking industrial action over a proposal to transfer them from council employment to the Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI).

 

The proposal arose after the County and City Management Association (CMMA) and the FSAI failed to agree the renewal of a ‘service-level agreement,’ which covers the cost of inspections of small abattoirs including craft butchers and artisan food producers.

 

The head of Fόrsa’s local government division, Peter Nolan, said result made it clear that the vets are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their jobs.

 

“This sends a clear message to the two public bodies involved that we will not be the meat in the sandwich of their dispute. It’s time now for meaningful engagement with council employers to discuss the future of the service and reach a satisfactory conclusion,” he said.

 

Fórsa previously welcomed a three-month extension of negotiations on the issue. However, the union also says the FSAI has threatened to outsource the work to another, unnamed, agency. This would result in taxpayers paying twice for the same service.

 

Under a service level agreement between the CCMA and the FSAI, local authority vets provide food safety controls, including inspection of all animals before and after slaughter, at around 600 food businesses that supply meats to retailers and establishments including nursing homes, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and canteens.

 

They also support small-scale and artisan businesses, which contribute to local economies and underpin employment in farming and the agri-food sector. As well as regulating the sector, the vet service supports mentoring, support and training in the sector.

 

The union wrote to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform requesting arbitration on the dispute. Concerns have since been referred to the government departments involved.

 

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

 

 

EU talks crucial to Irish recovery
by Niall Shanahan
 

Last Friday’s meeting of the European Council in Brussels fell short of ironing out disagreements over the proposed EU recovery package, designed to restore European economies severely damaged by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.


Last Friday’s meeting of the European Council in Brussels fell short of ironing out disagreements over the proposed EU recovery package, designed to restore European economies severely damaged by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The role of the European Council, made up of the Taoiseach and his EU counterparts, is to define the EU's overall political direction and priorities. While it’s not a legislative body, it has a major influence on EU economic and social policy.

 

The meeting was called to seek agreement on a €750bn recovery plan proposed by the European Commission. Ireland is currently due to receive €3 billion from the fund, but will push for more.

 

The country’s recent economic performance means it will almost certainly be a net contributor during the EU’s next seven-year budgetary period.

 

The amount designated to Ireland from the recovery fund is also based on its recent impressive economic performance. The Irish Government is arguing that this doesn’t accurately reflect the impact of the virus on the Irish economy.

 

Millions unemployed

Meanwhile, the European Trade Union Congress (ETUC) has told EU leaders they have a responsibility to save as many as possible of the 42 million European jobs that have been lost as a result of coronavirus.

 

As well as boosting employment, European Commission figures show that extra EU investment would ensure real wages are higher than they would otherwise be in the coming decade. 

 

Without it, the Commission expects household incomes to suffer due to temporary cuts in earnings and permanent job losses, which could drive the EU unemployment rate up to around 9% this year, undoing three years’ of job market improvements.

 

Ireland currently ranks ninth among EU member states in terms of the number of workers temporarily unemployed, with a figure of 600,000. This is just over a third of all workers in the state.

 

Resistance

The so-called ‘frugal four’ EU states – Austria, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands – are resisting important elements of the recovery plan. They object to the formula for allocating funds, which is based on unemployment numbers that predate the current crisis.

 

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said countries that receive EU funds should increase their tax take and impost austerity-style ‘reforms’.

 

In a Fórsa blog published last month, the union’s general secretary Kevin Callinan said the majority of EU countries were moving towards a different model based on an ambitious recovery fund, investment in a green and digital transition, European health sovereignty, and enhanced economic and industrial resilience.

 

“The EU recovery plan will be linked to Europe’s multi-annual financial framework, which will set the Union’s budget between 2021 and 2027. There are some downsides for Ireland, which will become a net contributor to the EU’s budget, while corporate tax consolidation will remain on the agenda.

 

“But these difficulties were coming regardless of the pandemic. Unlike in 2008-2013, recent developments hold out hope of EU-level support to help Ireland address its infrastructure and labour market challenges,” he said.

 

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

Feature Article
Wellness Wednesday: Managing Anxiety
by Róisín McKane
 

The second of Fórsa’s new series of five live wellness webinars takes place next Wednesday (1st July) when professor Jim Lucey, consultant psychiatrist at St. Patrick's University Hospital, talks with rugby pundit and psychotherapist Brent Pope about managing anxiety. The first session – on parenting in a pandemic – is now available as a podcast.


The latest instalment of our live wellness webinar series takes place next Wednesday (1st July) at 10.00 am when professor Jim Lucey, medical director at St. Pats mental health services, talks with rugby pundit and psychotherapist Brent Pope about managing anxiety.

 

The event was organised after 80% of Fórsa members said they’d experienced anxiety during the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Brought to you in association with Cornmarket, this is the second in a series of events being broadcast live over five weeks. The series features experts on a range of topics from managing anxiety to motivation at work and home.

 

Professor Lucey is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, and a consultant psychiatrist at St. Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin. A board member of the Mental Health Commission of Ireland, he served as medical director of St Patrick`s mental health service between 2008 and 2019.

 

Professor Lucey brings over 30 years of national and international experience to the conversation.

 

Broadcaster, psychotherapist and mental health advocate Brent Pope will host the session. 

 

The ex-New Zealand rugby player and former professional rugby coach is best known for his work with RTÉ Sport. But Brent the sportsman recently qualified as a psychotherapist and councillor.

 

Brent is also involved in several mental health charities, and is an ambassador for St. Patrick's Hospital, Pieta House and Cycle Against Suicide.

 

The wellness webinar series is informed by concerns expressed by union members in a recent survey, conducted by Cornmarket on behalf of Fórsa. 

 

Cornmarket administers two of the union’s salary protection schemes.

 

The survey found that four out of five Fórsa members have felt anxious or nervous as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Over 70% of participants reported problems with sleeping, and more than half said either they or a family member had experienced depression or a related condition as a result of the pandemic.

 

The results reflect the stress of a period when thousands of Fórsa members have stepped-up to serve in high-risk frontline environments, with many more having to rapidly adjust to remote working. A significant number have also grappled with reduced pay, lay-offs, and insecurity about their jobs.

 

Register for ‘Resilience: managing anxiety in the current crisis (10.00am, Wednesday 1st July) HERE.

 

Get more details on future Fórsa-Cornmarket ‘Wellness Wednesday’ events HERE.

 

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

Also in this issue
Join our campaign webinar today
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa’s summer series of webinars on campaigning issues kicks off at 1.00pm today (Friday 26th June) with expert speakers discussing ideas for a new people-centred post-coronavirus social and economic model.

 

Speakers include economists Aiden Regan and Stephen Kinsella, associate professors at University College Dublin and Limerick University respectively, labour specialist Alice Martin, and Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan.

 

Designed to equip the union’s senior activists with the skills and tools to lead local campaigns, the summer series offers opportunities to discuss and debate on some of the pressing issues of interest to Fórsa activists across a range of economic, social, equality and environmental topics.

 

You can also register for upcoming sessions on collective bargaining (3rd July), campaigning (10th July), universal healthcare (16th July), Climate action and automation (24th July), and the future of work (31st July).

 

Each moderated session will feature a panel discussion followed by questions moderated through the video-conference chat box.

 

All Fórsa activists and members are welcome to register for the events by emailing kdonoghue@forsa.ie.

 

Find out more about the programme and speakers HERE.

 

 

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

Covid-19: Guidance on returning to your workplace
 
Update your contact details
 

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Union guidance for remote working
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa has published new advice for workers who will be working remotely in the medium or long-term.

 

The guidance was produced as the Government’s recently-announced ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’, made it clear that many public servants and others will continue to work from home for some time.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working circumstances of almost half of Ireland’s workers, with more than a third now working from home. This extended period of remote working is a new experience for most.

 

While some have now established a productive and rewarding remote working routine, it can be a struggle at times.

 

Working at home: Staying safe, connected, healthy and productive contains advice on health and safety, setting up a workspace, breaks, staying in touch with managers and colleagues, and balancing work with home life and childcare.

 

The guide also contains useful tips on data protection, cybersecurity, and safeguarding your mental health.


Róisín McKane of Fórsa’s Communications Unit drafted the guidance. “Many union members could be working remotely for longer than they ever expected. This information will help them to navigate home working for an extended period.

 

“You may be out of the workplace, but you can still rely on certain legal protections, and you should look to your employer for the supports you need to do your job safely and well,” she said.

 

Read the Fórsa guidance HERE. 

 

If you have questions or concerns about your own situation, you can contact Fórsa HERE

 

 

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

 

Fórsa: Here to support you
 

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

 

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

 

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

 

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

 

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.

National mental health programme launched
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa has called on health employers to engage with staff representatives to ensure the timely implementation of a new ten-year roadmap for Ireland’s mental health services, which was launched by health minister Simon Harris last week.

 

Sharing the vision: A mental health policy for everyone belatedly follows the last national mental health policy, which ended its ten-year term in 2016.

Developed after extensive consultation with over 1,000 service users, family members, friends, carers and other stakeholders, the programme highlights four priority areas:

  • Promotion, prevention and early intervention
  • Service access, coordination and continuity of care
  • Social inclusion, and
  • Accountability and continuous improvement.

Fórsa welcomed the significant consultation with service users and their advocates, but criticised a lack of engagement with staff who will deliver the programme, and whose experience and professional insights can inform the programme and its implementation.

 

Union official Catherine Keogh said Fórsa had raised the need for staff engagement at a meeting with the HSE earlier this week. “The HSE agreed to this and we expect to meet on this matter as health services begin to return to normal over the coming weeks,” she said.

 

The programme allocates responsibilities to lead agencies and sets time-bound implementation targets for each recommended action. It also establishes a national implementation committee to oversee its implementation.

 

The document’s ‘implementation roadmap’ earmarks the recommendations into short (up to six months), medium (six-18 months) and long term implementation, and puts an emphasis on the measurement of outcomes.

 

Read the policy document HERE.

 

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