By coming together and showing a united front, the administration and household staff of Drumcondra Education Centre obtained an interim agreement from management following a dispute over changes to opening hours during periods when the centre was traditionally closed.  

Following a change in management at the centre issues arose last year. New management sought to extend the centre’s opening hours over the Christmas and Easter period without consultation with staff. 

To address the issue, workplace reps, supported by Fórsa and backed by their coworkers, sought to meet with management to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

Fórsa assistant industrial officer Seán Joyce said: “At the first meeting with management flexibility was offered by members, but management were not willing to engage, despite the fact that there was clearly established custom and practice for leave.” 

Despite members engaging in good faith, management ceased responding to correspondence from Fórsa. 

Seán said: “Our members could see they were being ignored, they also felt that management was seeking to create division.” 

In the weeks following the first meeting with management, members held regular meetings and brought all their coworkers into the union, creating a united front. 

When the Easter week rosters were issued, members were unsurprised to find unilateral changes had been made, disregarding established custom and practice.  

Members met again and agreed a firm position. On their behalf, Fórsa issued correspondence to management informing them that staff would not accept the changes, would pursue industrial action, and would raise the dispute to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for conciliation. 

Management immediately requested a meeting to avoid escalation.  

An interim agreement was accepted by both parties which will see management honour established terms and conditions of members while asking for flexibility on rosters to facilitate extended opening hours.   

Seán said: “Members agreed to facilitate the centre opening this Easter, in good faith, and will continue to engage on a wider proposal.” 

“There is now 100% union density in their workplace. This dispute shows how powerful that can be. When everyone stood together, management had no choice but to come back to the table,” he concluded. 

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