Talks have begun with airline management following confirmation that it now recognises the union as the representative of its pilots for collective bargaining purposes.

Fórsa has secured a range of pay deals in the state commercial and private sectors up to 2020. The pay improvements reflect continuing improvements in pay in both the public and private sectors, with many running over a three to four year period.

Staff working in non-commercial state agencies are due a 1% pay increase with effect from 1st January 2018, under the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA)

The final piece of the Fórsa jigsaw was put in place on 2nd January, when the Registrar for Friendly Societies confirmed that the new union was registered and cleared to start work on behalf of more than 80,000 members.

Fórsa has sought the formal application, in the non-commercial semi-state sector, of improved leave arrangements won for clerical and admin staff under the Public Services Stability Agreement (PSSA).

The Government is to legislate to allow non-commercial semi-state workers who are currently obliged to retire at age 65 to opt to stay in work longer.