Fórsa has written to management at Stobart Air to seek discussions on a collective bargaining agreement for cabin crew. A significant number of the airline’s cabin crew are members of the union, but the company has previously told Fórsa it won’t recognise the union as the representative of cabin crew.

Civil and public service managers are now obliged to consider the use of mediation when dealing with most workplace and contract disputes. The new policy applies to all civil service departments and offices, which are also required to bring it to the attention of bodies operating under their aegis.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has met social protection minister Regina Doherty to urge her to strengthen proposed legislation on precarious work.

The British Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on Theresa May to face down hardliners to protect the Good Friday Agreement.

Unfortunately, we are not able to bring you the usual Fórsa audio bulletin with this publication. That’s because last week’s snow and storm prevented us from getting out and about to interview the people in the union news.

Normal service will be resumed next time. Many apologies!

Applications are now open for the 2018 Fórsa Gaeltacht grant scheme. The scheme is open to children of Fórsa members attending residential Irish language courses in Gaeltacht areas this summer.