Take part in our survey of members to build your collective power, and shape our approach to future public sector pay negotiations.
This week we launched our annual survey of public sector members. Public sector members received an email with the link to participate and a note from general secretary Kevin Callinan on Monday 22nd September. The survey is now open and will close at 5pm on Monday 6th October.
Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan urged members to participate so that they can influence the union’s approach to negotiations surrounding a future public sector pay agreement.
He said: “This is a chance to build collective power in the workplace. By taking part, you will directly shape the claim we table in negotiations and influence our organising strategies.”
In both 2024 and 2023 over 20,000 members took part in the survey, which provided valuable information on members’ priorities. Responses given last year informed the focus of Fórsa’s general election manifesto. You can read more about that here.
This year’s survey asks similar questions on pay as previous years, however, in a new approach it also asks members to rank the importance of various terms and conditions. These include remote and hybrid work, reduced working time, paid parental leave, and more. In addition, members are also asked about what kind of ‘common good’ claims the union should pursue, with options ranging from housing to infrastructure.
Kevin said: “We’ve included these questions this year because we want to get a full picture of your working lives, what matters and where you would like to see improvements.”
“While pay is the number one focus in negotiations, workers’ terms and conditions, and the society in which we all live are hugely important as well.”
“We always say there’s strength in numbers, and that’s true so it’s crucial that you complete the survey and urge your colleagues to as well. Taking part builds your collective power.”
The survey is being conducted by Amárach on behalf of Fórsa. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be anonymous and confidential.
If you’re a member and work in the public sector you can take the survey.
Letters have now been issued to schools confirming no changes will be made to the existing SNA allocation arrangements.
Both the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Department of Education have informed schools that there will be no changes to the existing SNA allocation arrangements.
New guidelines for SNA allocation reviews were issued last week by the NCSE which led to ambiguity and confusion around allocation arrangements. On Wednesday 24th September Fórsa raised the need for precision at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth and secured a commitment that clarity would be provided.
Head of Education Andy Pike said: “It is very welcome that both the NCSE and the Department have now confirmed that there are no changes to the existing criteria for allocating SNAs to schools and that it is not the intention to remove SNAs from mainstream classes to staff new special classes.”
In a letter issued on Thursday afternoon the Department of Education stated that: “A school can apply to the NCSE at any time during the school year, as in previous years, for a review where emerging or new care needs arise. An emerging care need would be changing care needs in their existing student enrolment, newly identified care need or a new enrolment with care needs.”
The letter makes clear that SNAs will not be moved from mainstream classes to provide staff for new special classes, and that the allocation of SNAs to mainstream classes will be assessed separately from the established model for special classes.
Separately, the NCSE has informed schools that: “Where an emerging requirement for further SNA support arises outside this time the school can contact their NCSE special education needs organiser (SENO) as in previous years, to discuss the need for a SNA review.”
The letter also clearly stated that the NCSE guidelines issued last week relate solely to SNA allocation reviews and there is no change to the standard allocation process for resourcing mainstream or special classes in mainstream schools, underlining that the two posts assigned to each special class for autistic learners, remains the baseline SNA allocation for special classes in mainstream schools. It also confirmed that “any school which has a special class, or which is opening a new special class, will be allocated the baseline number of SNAs according to class category and this will not be reduced.”
It is now clear that schools can still apply for additional SNA posts after the 14th of October. The window for reviews of SNA allocations was brought forward to ensure that SNAs receive notification of their school allocations at the same time as SET allocations are announced.
Andy said: “Fórsa strongly supports this change which will ensure that our members are informed about SNA numbers as early as possible. The practice of leaving SNAs to wait until June to find out the outcome of the allocation process has to stop; allocations must be made much sooner.”
Andy went on to thank members for contacting officers on this issue, saying: “Members can be assured that the subsequent clarifications mean that arrangements stay as they are and there are no changes to the way in which the NCSE asses the need for SNA posts in mainstream classes.”
“The role of the SNA is not changed in any way as the existing Circular 0030/2014 still applies. Work is underway to agree a new Circular which will accurately reflect the scope of the SNA role in 2025 which has expanded considerably over the last 20 years. As soon as we have more information for members on this we will update you.”
Union highlights need for career progression and revised qualifications to boost recruitment and retention of SNAs at Oireachtas Committee.
On Wednesday 24th September, Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth on the recruitment and retention of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), along with SNA branch chairs Carol McSherry (North Dublin North Leinster) and Catherine Quirke (Munster).
Addressing the committee, Andy said: “SNAs have built up their skills and have become a professionalised workforce, providing vital support to tens of thousands of students with additional needs.
“However, while we have seen the role develop into a potent force for equality and accessibility, Fórsa members report feeling excluded from school life, treated as unqualified staff, and denied equal treatment compared to their teaching colleagues.
Fórsa represents over 20,000 SNAs working in primary, post-primary and special schools, and has long fought for better recognition of the role.
In the presentation, Andy outlined the progress to date in negotiations on the SNA national contract and the SNA Workforce Development Plan (SNAWDP), given the central role these have in meeting recruitment and retention challenges.
On the new contract, Andy noted that the discussions have been slow, and that not enough progress has been made. He underlined that numerous outstanding items have yet to be addressed, including health and safety leave for pregnant SNAs, occupational injury arrangements and parity with teaching colleagues in respect of a range of leave entitlements including paid family illness leave, and leave for training purposes.
Highlighting the unfairness around occupational injury arrangements, Andy said: “Commitments to apply the same terms for SNAs and teachers have simply not been met. The SNA assault leave scheme continues to cause concern as SNAs can only benefit from assistance if the injury is described as arising from ‘assault’. This places SNAs in a difficult position, when they understandably often do not want to inaccurately categorise an accident as an assault.”
Andy continued: “It’s unfair that teachers no longer have to go through such a process, but SNAs remain locked out of the same occupational injury benefits.”
While the contract negotiations have been slow, Andy underlined that discussions on the SNA workforce development plan have made progress. He emphasised the importance of the SNAWDP saying: “It needs to deliver genuine changes to the way SNAs are viewed, valued and treated within schools. It must recognise and acknowledge the vital role SNAs carry out and redefine the role, setting out the value SNAs bring in assisting and supporting students.”
“This is why we’ve pushed for updated qualifications. The minimum entry requirement has not changed since 1979. Fórsa wants QQI Level 6 recognised as the new standard, reflecting the qualifications already held by most SNAs.” He said the failure to recognise the academic achievements of SNAs was demoralising, and symptomatic of the lack of recognition and respect afforded to them.
He added: “SNAs are central to inclusive education, and to ensuring that children with additional needs can learn alongside their peers. The SNA Workforce Development Plan must deliver real change, not only in qualifications and conditions, but in how SNAs are respected as equal members of the school community. Without that respect, recruitment and retention will remain a challenge.”
Agreement in principle on an SNA redeployment scheme has been reached, and there is also agreement on the use of 72 hours for training and continuous professional development.
Regarding career development opportunities for SNAs, Andy told the committee that Fórsa has used the local bargaining clause within the current national pay agreement to progress a claim for SNA posts of responsibility which would provide the first promotional outlet for SNAs.
Concluding the presentation Andy highlighted that this is a critical juncture, with a new circular on the SNA role imminent. Ending on an optimistic note he said: “In the future we hope that the role of the SNA will be seen as a professional career pathway, where staff are valued as part of the school team, with adequate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and better terms and conditions.”
Fórsa members at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) have secured agreement at the WRC, resolving a dispute over management’s handling of senior appointments.
Fórsa members at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) have secured agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), resolving a dispute over management’s handling of senior appointments.
The dispute arose after the university proceeded with external recruitment for three interim senior posts prior to engaging with Fórsa or notifying internal staff. Professional, Management and Support Staff (PMSS) in TU Dublin subsequently backed a ballot for industrial action, with 88.1% in favour of action up to and including strike action.
At a conciliation conference on Tuesday 23rd September, Fórsa secured a number of key commitments, including:
A timely and transparent consultation process with full visibility of relevant information.
Ongoing dialogue between the university’s Chief Operations Officer and Fórsa, including regular updates on the Financial Recovery Plan (FRP).
Recruitment for the Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer posts to proceed through the agreed confined competition process, moving externally only if internal competitions are unsuccessful. Recruitment will commence in the final quarter of 2025 (October-December).
The permanent Principal Officer post to proceed to external open competition, with “experience in higher education” included in the desirable criteria.
Clarification from the university on the meaning of “managing senior fully qualified finance staff” included in the job specification.
The union confirmed that, on the basis of this agreement, the potential industrial action has been withdrawn.
Fórsa official Barbara Anderson welcomed the outcome: “This agreement restores the principles of consultation and fair process that our members insisted upon. The commitments secured through the WRC provide reassurance on recruitment processes and ensure our members will be fully engaged and consulted in future developments.”
This is the second engagement since strike action was withdrawn, following the WRC agreement (5th September) committing government to negotiate ‘comparable pension entitlements’ for school secretaries and caretakers.
School secretaries and caretakers return to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) today, Friday 26th September.
This is the second engagement since the strike action by the workers was withdrawn, following the WRC agreement (5th September) committing the Government to negotiate ‘comparable pension entitlements’ for school secretaries and caretakers.
As engagement continues at the WRC, the union remains focused on pension arrangements, in addition to the agreed commitments to conclude a pay framework agreement for caretakers (as agreed in 2022), access to bereavement leave, access to sick leave and acute illness protocols, and the full implementation of payroll arrangements.
Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike said: “As these important negotiations continue, we hope that the government side will now move rapidly to put forward workable proposals that deliver on its agreed commitment to provide genuine parity in pensions and conditions for school secretaries and caretakers. We will not necessarily be able to provide extensive details on the progress of these talks today but will update members when possible.”
Fórsa officials are taking part in the talks along with representatives from both branch committees.
Unions, school patronage bodies, and civil society organisations have issued an urgent appeal to Minister McEntee and government to address a growing funding crisis in schools.
Unions, school patronage bodies, and civil society organisations have issued an urgent appeal to Minister McEntee and government to address a growing funding crisis in schools.
The letter warns that the increase in school running costs in recent years has created a perilous situation, with schools unable to balance their books and argues that underfunding of schools directly impacts children and families, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.
The joint letter was signed by Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike and John Boyle of the INTO, as well as leaders of a number of school patronage bodies and civil society organisations, including: the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association, the Church of Ireland Board of Education, Educate Together, Education and Training Boards Ireland, An Foras Pátrúnachta, the Muslim Primary Board of Education, the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, the Irish Primary Principals’ Network, the Children’s Rights Alliance and St. Vincent de Paul.
The group welcomes recent positive steps, including the increase in the basic capitation rate and the introduction of free schoolbooks and meals. However, a comprehensive analysis of school accounts, commissioned by the CPSMA, reveals that the average primary school now faces a €17,000 deficit on capitation-related income and expenditure.
The analysis also found that heating costs for schools have soared by 83% and water/refuse costs by 51% since 2018/19, while utility costs now account for 6.1% of school expenditure, up from 3.3% in 2019.
Despite cost-of-living supports, most schools are struggling to balance their books, with many facing the prospect of impossible financial decisions in the coming year.
The coalition is calling for an immediate increase in the basic capitation rate to at least €299 per pupil, substantial increases across all other grant categories, including minor works, ICT, and ancillary grants, as well as a detailed analysis of the actual running costs for schools facing additional challenges, such as those in temporary accommodation or with special classes.
Speaking about the letter, Andy Pike said that the need to increase funding was obvious. He said: “Government needs to meet words with action. The Programme for Government contained positive commitments on school funding but now we need to see that translated into real measures.”
“Too many families, already under pressure, are being asked to prop up the education system through voluntary contributions or fundraising, while other families have no choice but to ask schools for support. The Taoiseach has indicated that this budget will seek to address child poverty, increasing funding to schools is one measure that would contribute to that.”
Fórsa member Donna Schwarz has joined thousands of people from across the world in risking life and limb as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a daring mission to break the Isreali imposed blockade of Gaza.
Donna Schwarz is risking life and limb as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a daring mission to break the Israeli imposed blockade of Gaza. Thousands of participants from dozens of countries have joined
“Sumud” means “resilience” or “steadfastness” in Arabic. Qualities that Donna and the rest of the flotilla embody, as they navigate the Mediterranean under the shadow of nightly aggression and a ramped-up Israeli rhetoric that seeks to justify further attacks on this peaceful, civilian mission.
Earlier this week, Donna posted a video, shared on the union’s social media accounts. In it, she calls the flotilla a “humanitarian non-violent mission” and explains that it is a fleet mostly made up of small vessels, sailing from ports all across the Mediterranean.
“We are civilians who have come together through this global movement. We figured if our governments weren't going to take action and they failed the people of Gaza, then it was up to us - the citizens of the world - to set sail. There’s about 44 countries involved. There are over fifty boats in the flotilla from all over,” she explains.
“We joined them in Tunis, and there are boats coming from Italy, and today or tomorrow there'll be more joining us from Greece. We’ll be making our way to Gaza.
“The people there are experiencing awful devastation, famine, genocide, ethnic cleansing, the complete bombardment of Gaza City. They have nowhere left to go. They only have a small slip left,” warned Donna.
“The urgency here is… words can’t describe it. I don’t think we are going to get there on time. We are probably going to be intercepted and abducted by the Israeli occupying forces.”
The risks are real. In June, Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg was deported after a Gaza-bound aid boat she and 11 others were on was intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean. Those with longer memories will remember the massacre aboard the Mavi Marmara in 2010, when Israeli commandos stormed the vessel and killed nine Turkish citizens. It’s reported that five were killed by gunshot wounds to the head.
As the flotilla nears Gaza, danger escalates for Donna and others. On Tuesday night, multiple boats reported explosions, unidentified objects dropped from drones or aircraft, and widespread communication disruptions. No fatalities occurred - but the risk was undeniable.
At least 13 explosions were heard across several vessels. Meanwhile, Israel launched a disinformation campaign, falsely labelling the flotilla as a “Hamas mission,” ramping up rhetoric to justify attacks and lay the groundwork for violent raids that have happened before. Under international law, civilians on such missions are protected; any attack would constitute a war crime.
On Wednesday morning, Donna sent another update:
“Last night was intense. Drones had been over our boat, but luckily nothing was dropped. When I went to bed at around 3 or 4am, nine drops had been made on roughly as many boats. They seemed to be targeting the smaller sailboats.”
During the attack, Donna was on night watch with the first mate, scanning the sky for drones.
“We heard the first explosion—bigger than a popping sound and more than a bang—and turned to each other and said, ‘Did you hear that?’ Within minutes, a second went off.”
Over the flotilla’s Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, Thiago on the lead ship ordered all boats to implement a pre-planned drone protocol.
“Which means we wake everyone up, put on life jackets, and stay alert,” explains Donna.
“It was very tense, with boats getting dropped on. As some were doing zig-zags, they managed to deflect some of the devices, which were gas and smelled of sulphur—you could smell it in the air. Our internet is down this morning, so I can't imagine what they were doing to Palestine and surrounding countries while they did this to us. That's how they operate in the past: put attention onto us while bombing and killing elsewhere.”
Donna reassured followers:
“I hope you know I'm okay, as is the rest of the fleet. The main damage I'm aware of is that one of the sailboats’ masts was damaged, but hopefully they were able to fix that. I'll update when I know more. Most are sleeping now after the rough night. I imagine it’s going to be like this for the next few nights till we get intercepted.”
She signed off with a plea for protection: “Hopefully some government will send their Navy to protect us.”
Some responded. Spain and Italy have deployed naval ships to the Mediterranean. Italy sent a second vessel Thursday, following the dispatch of a frigate the day before, while Spain confirmed its navy would provide protection to ensure the flotilla’s safe passage.
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan praised the ongoing efforts of members:
“Over 8,000 Fórsa members signed our petition on the Occupied Territories Bill in July, and nearly 800 sent written submissions. TDs were flooded with calls and emails. The message is clear: working people across Ireland want our trade laws to match our values.”
“All across the country, Fórsa members are at the forefront of Palestinian solidarity. None of us can ever do enough, and I share the frustration at the seemingly impossible task of holding Israel to account. But all walls eventually crumble. To members like Donna - and every activist pushing forward - know this: we see you, we’ve got your back.”
Meanwhile, from the middle of the sea, Donna had one last desperate plea to Fórsa members:
“If you could keep an eye on us,” she implored. “Write to the foreign minister Simon Harris and demand we are protected. You can also support us by following the tracker.”
Intensive discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) are underway on claims submitted by Fórsa as part of ‘local bargaining’.
Intensive discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) are underway on claims submitted by Fórsa as part of ‘local bargaining’.
This type of collective bargaining is part of the Public Sector Agreement 2024-2026. It allows grades, groups or categories to negotiate claims up to 3% of overall payroll costs. The first phase of this was due to be paid from 1st September 2025, with a further second phase payable after the expiry of the current agreement in June 2026.
Fórsa has lodged three cross sectoral ‘core’ claims and numerous sector specific claims on behalf of members across all divisions of the union.
The discussions currently ongoing are focused on the Clerical Officer or grade 3 equivalent roles claim and the Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, Higher Executive Officer or grade 4-7 equivalent roles claim.
Several scenarios have been costed by the Department. Deputy general secretary and head of the civil service division Éamonn Donnelly explained the process, underlining how important members’ involvement is.
He said: “Members shaped these claims through the surveys and consultations we carried out. Now that we have seen the Department’s costings, we need to assess how exactly we can achieve the approach favoured by members, which focused on shortening the journey it takes to move up scales and rewarding long service.”
“After reviewing the costings, it is clear that there are different paths to 1% of payroll costs numerically, and so different scenarios are under consideration. When we have a clear offer on the table, there will be a ballot of members.”
“Right now, we are talking about the Clerical Officer and equivalent grades claim because the scales are identical across sectors so we can take a singular approach. As rates of pay vary between the civil service and public sector for other grades, we may have to adapt our approach with those other claims.”
Further meetings are due to take place shortly, after which members will be informed of next steps.
Branches all around the country can now organise a free workplace presentation provided by Breast Cancer Ireland.
The programme officially launched on Wednesday, 24th September ahead of Breast Cancer awareness month in October. It aims to educate members on the early warning signs of breast cancer and the importance of self-checking.
Juliette O’Connell, BCI outreach coordinator and breast cancer survivor, will be travelling the length and breadth of the country to give presentations on the eight signs and symptoms to watch out for and teach members how to perform a breast examination properly, using a medical mannequin.
Left to right: Juliette O'Connell, BCI, Ursula Cox, NEC, Jean Taylor, NEC, Julie Flood senior vice president, Clodagh Kavanagh, NEC, and Alex Kelly, BCI
Fórsa senior vice president Julie Flood said that she was “delighted and proud to launch our Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in conjunction with Breast Cancer Ireland and Cornmarket.”
She explained that raising awareness in workplaces is an extremely important step in assisting early detection and can also save lives. “Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women, and most women find a change in their breasts themselves.”
Highlighting the importance of the campaign, Julie Flood emphasised: “This initiative will educate our members on risk factors and symptoms, encourage self-examination, promote regular screenings and help to dispel myths about breast cancer.”
Fórsa President Martin Walsh throwing his support behind the campaign.
Fórsa President Martin Walsh said: “We encourage all members to organise these free events and promote attendance at these presentations in their workplaces. We hope the impact of this programme will be significant and believe it has the potential to really make a difference to so many people.”
The presentation is free of charge and will be available in Fórsa workplaces nationwide. By contacting Alex Kelly in Breast Cancer Ireland, branches can book a session at a time and date that suits your workplace. Branches can invite members and colleagues to attend, or could consider organising a session in conjunction with a branch Annual General Meeting (AGM). The programme will be delivered in a phased approach by region.
Join the Fórsa bloc on Saturday 4th October with coffee morning before the march.
After two years of continued war, famine, and genocide in Gaza, trade unionists, activists, students, and communities from across Ireland will come together once again to march in solidarity with the Palestinian people on Saturday 4th October.
Fórsa members will march shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands across Ireland to demand an end to the horrific violence we continue to witness daily. All members who wish to take part in the demonstration are encouraged to join the Fórsa delegation, which will be marching as part of the trade union bloc.
Head of campaigns Kevin Donohue said: “Fórsa is hosting a coffee morning in Nerney’s Court on 4th October from 12.15pm for members to meet and get to know like-minded union members. We’ll have free coffee, pastries, and some cans of Palestinian Cola for those joining us on the day.”
Members are encouraged to gather at Fórsa’s HQ in Nerney’s Court before the march to fuel up and meet the rest of the community of activists before taking to the streets.
At 12.30pm, the Fórsa delegation will leave Nerney’s Court to join the trade union bloc, gathering outside Mandate’s offices across from the Gate Theatre on Cavendish Row. You can meet us at HQ or join us directly outside the Mandate office.
The march will begin at the Garden of Remembrance and finish outside the Dáil on Molesworth Street/Kildare Street to bring our demands to the Irish government’s doorstep.
If you would like to become more involved with Fórsa’s Palestine demonstrations or receive regular updates on the union’s activities in this area, please contact campaigns@forsa.ie.
Yesterday, Thursday 25th September, schools across the country rang with cheers and good wishes for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), marking the second annual SNA Appreciation Day.
Social media was flooded with photos of smiling SNAs and students celebrating the day. SNAs were gifted with bouquets of flowers, heartfelt cards, and a tempting array of sweet treats and goodies.
SNA Appreciation Day began last year as an initiative led by Fórsa’s SNA branches. It was intended to be a celebration of the invaluable work SNAs do, and their place as an integral part of the school community.
Scoil Eoin Innshannon, Co. Cork.
Noreen O’Mahony has played a key role in the organisation and success of SNA Appreciation Day, both in her former role as chair of the education division and now as an assistant industrial officer.
Noreen said: “I couldn’t be prouder of how SNA Appreciation Day has taken off. It just goes to show how much SNAs are valued by school communities and the children themselves.”
She continued: “It’s not just about recognition; it’s also about letting people know why the work SNAs do is so important. For many parents SNAs would’ve been a rare sight when they went to school. So, the role of SNAs isn’t as clear for them as it is with teachers, secretaries, or caretakers.”
Cherrywood Educate Together National School, Co. Dublin.
“When people know what an SNA’s does they can see how important the job is, especially for the children they support. Having that SNA support can be the difference between a child thriving or that child not fulfilling their potential. SNAs make our schools and our society a fairer and a better place.”
Following his appearance at the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Education and Youth earlier this week, national secretary, Andy Pike said: “There is still a long way to go before we can say SNAs are receiving the respect and care they deserve. For one, the SNA Workforce Development Plan needs to be completed with haste, something we are working toward making happen.”
“But it is fantastic to see how quickly SNA Appreciation Day is becoming an annual tradition in schools. They more than deserve to have a day where the whole school community can reflect on the incredible work they do,” he concluded.
Killygordon National School, Co. Donegal.
Already a popular SNA Appreciation Day tradition, a prize draw once again saw thousands of applications from deserving schools and SNAs. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Dubco Credit Union and Cornmarket Insurance, prizes were presented to one school and one SNA in each of the SNA branch regions. The winners are as follows:
SNA prizes
SNAs Connaught Ulster - Caroline Cresham, St. Anthonys Special School, Co. Mayo.
SNAs Munster - Patricia O'Keeffe, Holy Family Special School, Co. Cork.
SNAs North Dublin North Leinster - Deirdre Zaidan, St. Patricks Boys National School, Co. Dublin.
SNA South Dublin South Leinster Branch - Sarah Quigley, Emo National School, Co. Laois.
Caroline Cresham, St. Anthonys Special School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
School prizes
SNAs Connaught Ulster - Myna National School, Co. Mayo.
SNAs Munster - Holy Well National School, Co. Cork.
SNAs North Dublin North Leinster - Hansfield Education Together Secondary School, Co. Dublin.
SNA South Dublin South Leinster Branch - St. Laurences National School, Co. Wicklow.
Hansfield Education Together Secondary School, Barnwell Road, Hansfield, Dublin.
Watch: See what we got up to at the Ploughing and get the whole Screggan experience over on our Youtube channel.
They debated bringing the wellies, but like tens of thousands of others, Fórsa staff were glad of them as the fields of Offaly turned to brown sludge this year - a far cry from the beaming rays of Ploughing 2024. James Redmond has this report from Screggan.
All day long, Fórsa ran into delighted members. Tote bags and t-shirts were handed out to anyone who stopped by, while a never-ending stream of teenagers took part in a competition designed to plant a little knowledge about trade unions before they take on their first job.
The threatened downpours never came, and instead the crowds got a classic September day - bright skies, good spirits, and just the sharp lash of a shower to spice things up.
Fórsa’s director of campaigns, Kevin Donoghue, was in the thick of it all week.
“We're talking to members, non-members, potential members and young people about what Fórsa is, what it does and what we have to offer. We have plenty on offer, and people are really engaging with us. The atmosphere is great. People absolutely love the Ploughing, and it's really easy to get caught up in it as well.”
Outside the Education and Business Hub, former union president - and now treasurer - Micheal Smyth charmed his way across the arena, dropping into a universe of tents and stalls where Fórsa members were manning tables for their employers.
“The people that are at the Ploughing Championship that we represent are largely people from across the civil and public service. People working in government departments and in semi-states would be represented with stalls here.”
But what really struck him was the level of recognition Fórsa now commands — not least thanks to the pension parity strike, which has lodged itself firmly in the hearts and minds of the nation.
“The amount of people I've met from the school sector, for example senior school secretaries who were on tours with young people from that sector, has been quite substantial. So, it's a great cross-section of our society that we’re meeting here. And it's important that we enforce our presence where the people are.”
Fórsa Treasurer and former President Michael Smyth, a strong handshake for a strong union
By early afternoon, Fórsa’s senior membership recruitment officer Khalid El-Busaidy had already clocked more than ten hours weaving his way through muck and crowds. His day started at 6am, but he was still buzzing.
“It’s the crowd coming in who are giving us all the energy and the buzz and the sparkle. Without the mud there's no Ploughing Championships. It’s been brilliant. That is the taste of the ploughing.”
And the engagement, he said, was massive: “A lot of people coming in here are public sector workers. There are thousands of them. And as I said, we've had huge engagement with people coming to this tent.”
Senior membership officer Khalid El Busaidy and campaigns intern Rency George spreading the word from the stand.
Despite the early starts and long days, the energy was infectious.
Margaret, a school secretary from Gaelscoil Athy and a native of Ballylynan, stopped by with her daughter, both of them, like tens of thousands across the country, taking a day off for the event.
“It's a nice day out,” she smiled. For Margaret, the union’s presence at the Ploughing was a reassuring touchstone after recent battles.
“We were involved in the strike two weeks ago. Obviously, the talks are ongoing, so we’re waiting to hear what will happen. I knew you were here again today, so we said we’d pop over and say hello. You know, after we’ve been in the strike, I would just like to touch base and say hello to everybody.”
The strike was still fresh in her mind.
“I'm glad we done it. You know, and I'm very pleased so far to hear that we’re sitting down to talks and hopefully we get somewhere. Yeah, I'm certainly glad we took part in it. We put the effort in. We do the work. So we're not looking for anything different or special or anything,” she asserted with pride.
Fórsa President Martin Walsh taking the long view and reaching out to the next generation.
Áine, a special needs assistant from Dungarvan and a proud farmer’s daughter, was in flying form and in her element.
“Fabulous. Absolutely amazing. The cow makes it. Love it,” she said, grinning from ear to ear as she took in the Fórsa stall with its 8-foot-high billboard warning punters not to “Get milked at work.”
For her, the Ploughing is tradition, she said: “It's like a yearly tradition for me. And I'm a farmer's daughter, so it's great. It's an amazing event for everybody. There's so much here. It's crazy.”
And of course, there was the mud. All conversations eventually lead to the mud.
“A couple of years ago I was here and I was covered head to toe in mud, and I made the front page of The Farmers Journal because of it. So this year, I am doing pretty well,” Áine laughs.
But above all, Áine spoke about solidarity.
“It's so nice and refreshing as a Fórsa member to know that there's always someone there if you need help or if you need to talk to someone or get advice. I cannot say enough about how much support we get from ye — it’s unbelievable. And everyone should join if they can.”
Chair of the Civil Service division Jean Taylor sharing the joy of union membership.
With only the briefest of a September shower, the day was a hit. For Fórsa, the Ploughing was more than an event - it was a reminder that the union’s strength is found where members gather, get involved, and get stuck in.
Even if that means getting stuck in the mud in the middle of Offaly.
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