Fórsa has secured an agreement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding heritage staffing issues. The agreement was reached on foot of a meeting following a recent departmental reshuffle, to ensure that the employer had a full overview of industrial relations matters in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NWPS) and heritage areas.

Fórsa official Seán Carabini said that the engagement was reassuring, and the union is awaiting the outcome of the next step budgetary process to proceed further. “On the archaeology and built heritage fronts we have agreement on the vacancies that need to be filled to ensure that these vital areas have the staff required to be able to meet their statutory obligations,” he said.

The upcoming review of the NPWS has also been discussed, with Fórsa reiterating the need for the union to have a seat at the table. “Fórsa has highlighted the need for structural clarity in the NPWS area and plans to participate fully in next year’s review,” said Seán.

Seán explained that the union also took the opportunity to highlight the pay situation for Conservation Rangers during this engagement, an issue that has been at the fore for some time.

“When you look at the huge workload and technical expertise expected from them, it’s simply not good enough that their starting pay is so low. At present, it is lower than the starting pay for a clerical officer,” he said.

Seán highlighted the need to progress this issue and stood firm on the need for increased pay in this employment. “Pay them more money. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

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