On Wednesday 9th April, Fórsa official Paul Moyer engaged the Irish Prison Service (IPS) in conciliation facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). 

While no agreement emerged from the meeting, the IPS has been given time to reflect on their position. 

The dispute centres on remuneration for chaplains in the prison service. Those on seven-day contracts are not receiving compensation for weekend work and bank holidays.  

Paul Moyer said: “We hope the Irish Prison Service takes this time to consider their position and comes around on this.” 

He continued: “We will take this to the Labour Court if we have to. Our position is supported by the Organisation of the Working Time Act, 1997, and there is precedent.” 

The precedent Paul refers to is a previous Fórsa win in June 2024. A chaplain working in the HSE was similarly denied a Sunday premium and sought back pay on wages owed. Back pay was awarded and Fórsa’s legal argument upheld. 

The IPS alleges the chaplains' claim is a cost increasing claim. Paul dismisses this argument, stating: “Our members are working Saturdays, working Sundays, working bank holidays, and they are due payment in line with the legislation.” 

The IPS has previously claimed that working weekends is now optional for chaplains. They contended that they do not need to provide religious services and therefore have no need of seven-day cover. This would mean chaplains do not need to work weekends or bank holidays if they do not wish to do so. 

Paul said: “Sundays are not optional for a chaplain, and by calling weekends “optional” the IPS has ignored the right of people to congregate and worship, especially on religious days. Sundays are seen as a day that mass is held right across this country, so of course that applies to prisons too. They have also issued no instruction to chaplains telling them not to work on weekends or bank holidays. So, the current situation lacks clarity and must be resolved.” 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.