Research on over 200 private sector and commercial semi-state pay deals struck in 2018 has found that pay increases ranged between 2-3% last year.

Fórsa has expressed concern over reports that the Government has withdrawn its support for new legislation to extend unpaid parental leave from 18 to 26 weeks per child.

Fórsa has welcomed new legislation allowing public servants to retire up to the age of 70.

The legislation completed its passage through the Seanad in December and became effective as soon as it was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins on 26th December.

Fórsa’s elected National Executive Committee (NEC) has appointed Kevin Callinan as the union’s senior general secretary designate with effect from 1st January 2019.

Fórsa has welcomed the introduction of legislation which bans zero-hour contracts in virtually all circumstances.

Fórsa has welcomed the announcement of a ban on the use of single use plastics and other pollutants in the civil and public service, and says it will work with Government departments to implement the new policy.

The number of people who died in workplace related accidents fell by 23% last year, according to a report issued by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) earlier this month.