Fόrsa and other local government unions are to seek management disclosure of the levels of outsourcing and contracting out in the provision of local authority services in Ireland. 

Fórsa has sought Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) conciliation following Local authority management’s rejection of the union’s claim for a national flexitime scheme for local government workers.

Tens of thousands of childcare educators and providers joined parents earlier this month to protest about the high cost of childcare and low pay in the sector. 

Fórsa’s Municipal Employees division is balloting its members in Dublin fire brigade in a row over the implementation of an agreement on moving the ambulance control room out of Tara Street fire station.

The average gender pay gap in Ireland has risen to 14.4%, according to the most recent estimates from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The 2017 figure – based on the latest available data – compares to a significantly lower gap of below 12.6% during the recession.

It’s unlikely that further exploratory talks on a pay deal to succeed the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) will take place before a new government is formed. Fórsa had been leading union efforts to negotiate a new accord prior to this month’s general election.