No resolution was reached during talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last Tuesday 20th January, in relation to the RSA’s failure to ensure driver testers are fully indemnified while conducting tests in uninsured vehicles. 

The talks were adjourned until Wednesday 4 February. 

Chair of Fórsa’s RSA Professional branch, Philip Lambert, said: “We remain engaged in the WRC process and will continue to pursue a resolution that ensures driver testers are fully protected while carrying out their duties. We will keep members informed of any further developments.” 

Late last year, a ballot of Fórsa members who are driver testers voted 95% in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action, with 83% of members taking part in the ballot. 

Currently, driver testers are not fully and unconditionally covered by the State Claims Agency while carrying out their duties, particularly when conducting tests in uninsured vehicles.  

Without access to the national insurance verification system, there is no way to verify whether vehicles presented for driving tests are fully insured, leading to a situation where driver testers may not be fully indemnified.  

Fórsa has argued that the absence of a proper insurance verification system, combined with inadequate indemnity protections, has left staff exposed and under pressure to proceed with tests in circumstances that would be unacceptable in any other area of public service.  

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