Fórsa and other health unions are currently balloting members, employed in community and voluntary sector agencies funded by the HSE, for industrial action.

The ballot is in response to what the unions described as a “derisory” pay offer from the employer at WRC talks at the end of July and follows years of pay disparity between these and health workers employed by the HSE.

While these agencies are funded by the state, Fórsa members employed in a range of health professional, clinical, clerical and administrative grades, are on lesser terms and conditions than their HSE counterparts.

Fórsa members in Ability West, Western Care and at Enable Ireland are among the employments selected for the ballot. The ballot remains open until Tuesday 19th September.

Fórsa national secretary Ashley Connolly said the offer made at the WRC in July, which had been sanctioned by Officials from the Department of Health, Department of Children Equality, Disability, Youth and Integration and HSE, fell far short of expectations: “The offer amounted to 5% in a single year, falling far short of the current public service agreement.

“These are workers providing professional health and social care working shoulder-to-shoulder with their public service counterparts. The employer’s offer suggests they were never that serious about resolving the growing pay disparities and the growing problem of employee retention.

“Any prospect of an agreement was essentially extinguished at the end of July, which has made this ballot for industrial action inevitable,” she said.

Ashley said the Government had been dragging its feet on the issue for years, while making conciliatory noises to health workers who urgently need pay improvements: “They haven’t seen a significant pay rise, their colleagues are walking out the door for better terms elsewhere, and there appears to be no sense of urgency at Government level, despite the growing waiting lists for the services these agencies offer.

“There’s more than a 10% pay gap that’s feeding a huge recruitment and retention crisis in these services. The reality is that if this continues, services will be shut down, and the HSE will then have to step in to provide them.

“It’s been almost a year since the health minister acknowledged the State’s role as the main, or often sole, funder of these specialist care and community-based agencies.

The planned Industrial Action for clerical admin and managerial grades across the HSE and Section 38 organisations (Voluntary Hospitals and Voluntary Agencies) due to start on the 4th of September has been suspended following extensive engagement in the WRC.

The parties have agreed to a focused engagement to develop a specific Framework Agreement with a view to concluding by the 30th of September 2023. The first meeting is scheduled for the week of the 11th of September.

The industrial action was prompted by the HSE’s decision, earlier this year, to halt all recruitment of clerical administrative and managerial grades. The union has previously raised concerns with the HSE in relation to the increasing reliance on agency workers and external private consultants.

The employer has failed to invest in its existing workforce, and it is unacceptable that they are so quick to look to the private market.

Fórsa national secretary for Health and Welfare Ashley Connolly cautiously welcomed the progress made in the dispute:

“Over the last couple of weeks, the union has been engaged in extensive negotiations under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to this dispute.

“The Disputes Committee of the Health & Welfare Divisional Executive were provided with a document by the commission and have agreed that the contents of the document represent sufficient progress at this stage to suspend the industrial action until the 30th of September 2023 and allow the parties to engage further.”

Ashley added: “The employer must engage meaningfully over the next weeks to ensure a comprehensive Framework Agreement is achieved in order to avoid the reinstatement of our planned industrial action. It is vital that we focus on finding a sustainable resolution.”

“Our branch executives, staff and workplace representatives have been extensively engaging with members over the last few weeks on this issue and will continually update members over the next couple of weeks.

"It is important that we achieve an outcome for members that protects direct employment, promotional opportunities and reduces the HSE’s over reliance on agency workers and the continued use of private consultants.

"The overwhelming solidarity and unity shown by members over the last week has ensured that management have taken our concerns seriously and we will continue to fight for the best outcome for our members,” she said.

Fórsa has agreed to suspend the planned industrial action for eight Health and Social Care Professionals cohorts (HSCPs) following progress at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

The industrial action was due to commence at each member’s normal starting time on Monday 11th September 2023.

Consequently, the work to rule instruction previously circulated is now suspended. Fórsa has formally notified the employers accordingly.

The industrial action had been backed by 93.5% of members in a union ballot, which covered eight professions (Dietitians, Orthoptics, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work and Social Care Work) working across the HSE and section 38 organisations.

Over the last fortnight, the union has been engaged in extensive negotiations with the HSE at the WRC in a bid to find a resolution to the dispute and on Monday 4th September, the commission requested suspension of the industrial action considering the progress made in discussions.

The disputes committee of the Health and Welfare Divisional Executive subsequently considered the document provided by the commission and agreed that the contents of the document represent sufficient progress at this stage to suspend the industrial action and allow the parties to engage further.

Fórsa said the industrial action was a result of nearly five years without the implementation of a career pathway review and no meaningful discussions on clinical specialisms, advanced practise & management roles.

Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly said “There is still a road to travel on the Career Pathway Review process for our members. While progress made in the last fortnight is welcome, the proof will be in the proverbial pudding. We have made clear to the employer, that if the timelines agreed at the WRC are not honoured, the executive will consider its position on the suspension of Industrial Action”.

Ms Kelly continued “Health and Social Care Professionals are a critical clinical staff group within the Health Service and central to the success of Sláintecare. Investment in career progression and promotional opportunities for our members is a necessity if the ambitious change programme set out by the HSE and Government is to be realised.”

If members have questions concerning recent developments in this dispute they should contact their local branch or email healthandwelfareinfo@forsa.ie.

The Fórsa Youth Network will be hosting an event on the housing crisis “Locked Out: The Working Homeless”, at 6.30pm on Friday, September 29th in Nerney's Court.

A panel of industry experts will discuss the challenges facing young workers who cannot find anywhere to live, explore the impact of the housing crisis on workers, and discuss the action that can be taken by the trade union movement. 

This event is hosted by Fórsa's Youth Network however the event is open to members of all ages. 

Register here to attend this event.

As Summer turns to Autumn many of us turn our minds to learning.

Our Skills Academy offers training for members, workplace representatives, and branch activists throughout the year, for more information on upcoming courses check out our calendar for the year ahead here.

However if you don’t have the time to sign up to a specific course at the moment, did you know that all our Lunch & Learn trainings are available on the Fórsa Skills Academy YouTube channel?

These hour-long sessions provide insights and overviews of a range of different topics so if you’re looking to learn how to draft a motion, brush up on your public speaking skills, or for insights into how to speak about your union, and build membership you can watch back all the sessions in your own time here. 

Dear member, 

This time of year often brings with it a sense of renewed opportunity and plans for the months ahead, as schools reopen and holidays come to an end. Here at Fórsa we have a busy schedule of events open to all members, from trainings to seminars, between now and the end of year, which I hope that you will enjoy. 

A core focus of our work this Autumn will be negotiating a new national pay agreement for public sector workers. The extension of the Building Momentum agreement expires at the end of 2023, with the final pay instalment due on 1st October. 

While the review of the agreement in 2022 brought much needed pay increases, inflation continues to erode the pay of all workers, and the cost of everyday living is a constant challenge. Earlier this year, 99% of respondents to our members’ survey told us that negotiated pay rises must match inflation, and for many this was an issue on which they would be prepared to take industrial action. This message from you is a mandate for Fórsa.

While global events create some uncertainty, the Government is managing record budgetary surpluses. This provides a unique – if challenging - negotiating context for a successor to Building Momentum.  It is imperative now that a date for the beginning of pay talks is set. 

While many Fórsa members will have benefitted from a break over the summer months, a lot of activity continues, and significant progress was made on several issues in the past week. 

Thanks to progress made at the WRC planned industrial action was suspended in the health sector, where the union had served notice of industrial action in disputes over a career pathway review for health and social care professionals, and the recruitment pause on clerical admin and managerial grades in the HSE. Similarly, after several months of the employer refusing to negotiate with the union, Fórsa signed an industrial relations agreement last week with Emerald Airlines.

Disputes are also ongoing in relation to job evaluation in local authorities and Tusla, while Fórsa continues to work with other unions in attempts to resolve pay disparities for health workers in the community and voluntary sector, and those members are currently being balloted for industrial action. 

There have been notable wins in other areas, and I would like to particularly congratulate everyone involved in Fórsa’s School Secretaries campaign. This school year they finally have the recognition they deserve as they go back to school on the Department of Education payroll.

 
Our collective strength is in our members. This year our union membership has been growing across all divisions, and that growth empowers us when we negotiate on your behalf. To keep it going we need your help. 

The most effective thing you can do today to support your union is to ask your colleagues: ‘Have you joined the union yet?’. You can also download and print this poster to distribute or display in your workplace. 

Thank you for your continued support,

Kevin Callinan,

General Secretary,

Fórsa

Applications are now open for the 2024 Fórsa Gaeltacht grant scheme. 80 grants of €150 each are available to assist children of Fórsa members attending residential Irish language courses in Gaeltacht areas next 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 2024, are eligible to apply for the grant scheme. You can download the application form HERE.

Please note that in order to ensure as many children as possible can benefit from this scheme a child who received a scholarship in this scheme in 2023 is not eligible for receipt of the scholarship in 2024.  A list of winners in 2023 is available on the Forsa website.

Only one application per child is permissible. Multiple applications for the same child will not be considered. 

Applications must be received on or before 5.00pm on Friday October 6^th, 2023.  The draw will take place shortly thereafter.  All queries should be sent to gaeltacht@forsa.ie.

Application forms can be submitted either by email to gaeltacht@forsa.ieor by post to Fórsa Head Office to the following address: General Services Committee, Gaeltacht Scheme, Fórsa, Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1, D01 R2C5. Only one method of application per applicant is allowed.

A list of last year's winners is available on the Fórsa website.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Have you ever wanted to join a friendly, active and non-competitive choir? Then the People’s College Choir could be for you!  

The mixed-voice choir of 45 members is now recruiting new members. You can find out more about the choir’s affiliations with Fórsa and other unions by clicking HERE.

The choir was founded in 1993 by then President of the People’s College, Dr Sheila Conroy, the first ever female member of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union Executive. The College itself was established in 1948 to promote worker and cultural education and the choir is part of that wider programme. Members are trade union and community activists from Dublin, and neighbouring counties. 

The choir sings an extensive range of songs in a non-competitive atmosphere; some old, some new, some folk, traditional Irish airs and modern popular songs as well as songs of social progress ‒ some of which have been performed at trade union organised events including in Áras an Uachtaráin.

The choir rehearse from 8.30 p.m. until 10 p.m. each Tuesday evening in Club na Múinteoirí (the ‘Teachers’ Club’, Parnell Square). The choral year runs from September until May of the following year. 

If you are interested in joining you can contact the musical director, Paul Walsh, at peoplescollegechoir@gmail.com

The 3rd Irish Labour History Society (ILHS) international event takes place from 14th to 17th September across a number of venues, including the Liberty Hall Theatre and Fórsa’s head office at Nerney’s Court.

The conference will feature panel discussions with academics, trade union representatives, activists and representatives of migrant workers. Fórsa general secretary, Kevin Callinan, will take part in a discussion on the issue of social dialogue with Danny McCoy of Ibec on Sunday, 17th September.

The conference kicks off on Thursday at 2:30pm at Liberty Hall with an introduction and welcome from Shay Cody, Chair of the ILHS. The programme includes panels and presentations on:

• Press for Labour Rights – Keeping it real in a world of AI
• Discursive studies reviewing Social Partnership; The Peace Process, Good Friday Agreement and Brexit
• Gender, Class & Labour History Since 1980
• Setting the scene, the Irish delegation to the ILO
• Irish Public Policy - ‘The Marriage Bar in the Civil Service 1893-1973

If you are interested in attending, please email ilhsconference@forsa.ie before the 12^th of September. The ILHS are partnered in this venture by ICTU, and with the Northern Ireland Committee of ICTU. You can find the full conference agenda HERE.