Fórsa’s youth network called for an end to the housing emergency at their very first annual general meeting which took place last month.

The network has committed to focusing on issues that particularly affect young people entering the workforce.

Newly elected Chair of Fórsa Youth Isabella De Luca said: “We need to introduce more of our peers to trade unionism and show them that Fórsa is part of the solution to the cost-of-living and housing crises. While our generation is overworked, stressed and underpaid, I believe we are also engaged, empathetic and inclusive. We need future leaders for negotiations on pay and conditions for the workforce, so it’s important that young people see the importance of joining the movement now.”

Branch representatives from across Fórsa’s six divisions were in attendance at the AGM to elect the new steering committee and to participate in a panel discussion on the housing crisis entitled 'Locked Out: The Working Homeless'. Guest speakers included Dr Lorcan Sirr, TU Dublin, Louise Bayliss, Focus Ireland and Jack Ferguson, Community Action Tenants Union.

A motion was passed at the AGM for Fórsa Youth to take an active role in housing and cost-of-living campaigns, with a view to highlighting how the housing crisis and high inflation affects young members and to work towards policy changes in these areas at government level. There was also a strong discussion around disability issues and how bullying in the workplace affects young people.

Fórsa Youth attended the Cost-of-Living pre-budget protest in Dublin on October 7th, joining an alliance of political, trade union, student, environmental and campaigning groups marching from Parnell Square to Leinster House calling for measures to help alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.

Another goal of the incoming steering committee is to recruit young workers as members and activists of the trade union movement.

Fórsa Youth is open to all members between the ages of 18-35 across all divisions of the largest public sector union in Ireland. The primary purpose of the network is to focus on issues and campaigns that are of interest to younger members, encourage participation and to be a voice for young workers.

For further information on Fórsa Youth contact Forsayncsecretary@forsa-rep.ie 

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