Trade Union week, the highlight of the annual Better in a Trade Union campaign, is back this year and will be running from Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May.  

In the weeks ahead, we will be in touch with branches with information on how to order campaign materials and merchandise, and with guidance to support anyone organising an event during Trade Union Week. 

Trade Union Week will be a very exciting focal point for members to get involved in the campaign. From Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May, workplaces across Ireland will see union members come together to celebrate the benefits of being a trade union member. 

Director of campaigns Kevin Donoghue said: “This week is our moment to come together as members, colleagues, and communities to celebrate the power of collective action and the real benefits of trade union membership.” 

Kevin continued: “We’re asking Fórsa branches and members to hold Trade Union Week events in their workplace or region. These events could be coffee mornings, table quizzes, fun runs, music gigs, seminars or anything really. Whatever it takes to create an opportunity to tell your colleagues about the benefits of being in a union!” 

Better in a Trade Union is an all-island campaign which aims to ensure that all working people in Ireland are aware of the benefits of being part of a trade union, and the strength of being part of a collective, representing and negotiating as a group of employees rather than as individuals. 

The idea behind Trade Union Week is to encourage participation and activism amongst current union members and create an opportunity to encourage workers who aren’t yet members to join. 
 
It is not only a chance to talk about all the benefits of trade union membership in your own workplace, but it is also a national celebration with trade unions all over Ireland, across different sectors, celebrating and promoting the history, culture, and power of trade union membership.  

Kevin continued: “The more members we have in the trade union movement, the stronger we are, and the greater our influence to push for the rights and benefits of working people across the island of Ireland.” 

Branch secretaries and chairs will receive further details and an order form for merchandise for Trade Union Week next week. Workplace reps who would like to organise an event should contact their branch committee for further details or email campaigns@forsa.ie.  

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Planned industrial action by clinical measurement physiologists (CMPs), due to commence today, Friday 30th January, has been temporarily suspended as talks between Fórsa and the HSE are to resume at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) this morning. 

While talks at the WRC earlier this week ended without agreement, a meeting of Fórsa's CMP disputes committee this afternoon decided to return to the WRC, following an exchange of correspondence with the HSE. In a memo to members issued on Thursday evening, Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly advised that the decision to return to talks was made with "a view to reaching a collective agreement on all outstanding matters in dispute, and a timeline for resolution."

CMPs are highly trained diagnostic specialists whose work is indispensable to modern healthcare. Doctors depend on the complex tests they perform to diagnose and treat patients across cardiac, respiratory, neurophysiology, gastrointestinal and vascular services, and demand for these diagnostic services continues to rise. Yet CMPs are still working to job descriptions dating back to 1987, which fail to reflect advances in technology or the level of responsibility now carried by the profession.

Fórsa, which represents just over 350 CMPs nationwide, said the dispute could be readily resolved through constructive engagement and a commitment by the HSE to properly recognise their concerns. These include the completion and implementation of a joint workforce review and an end to the costly outsourcing of CMP services within the public health system. Fórsa said a staffing agreement for chronic disease hubs, where many CMPs are based, is also essential.

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Fórsa’s Health and Welfare Division has extended the deadline for the workshop grades local bargaining survey until 12pm Friday 6th February. 

The survey is open to workshop instructors, workshop supervisors, senior workshop instructors and workshop managers working in the HSE and Section 38 organisations. Section 39 organisations are not included.

The survey was issued to members by email on Monday 19th January. The decision to extend the deadline was made earlier this week to ensure workshop grades members are given every opportunity to have their say in their local bargaining claim. 

National Secretary, Linda Kelly, said: “It is crucially important that workshop grade members take the opportunity to fill out the survey and let their voices be heard.” 

“Local bargaining is an effective tool we can use to address issues unique to grades, groups or categories. If we use it wisely, it can have a really positive impact on members’ lives. The more survey responses we get, the more closely aligned to members' wishes our claim will be”, she continued. 

If this survey applies to you, please click here to fill out the survey and play your part in making the best claim possible. 

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The second-last pay increase agreed under the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 is due to come into effect on Monday 1st February.  

Workers are set to receive an increase of 1% of gross pay, with a minimum increase of a flat rate of €500 for workers earning under €50k. 

The final increase will come into effect on 1st June, with workers receiving an additional 1% of gross pay. 

Overall, under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, workers will have received pay improvements amounting to 9.25%, with flat rate increases significantly improving that figure for workers earning under €50k. 

Local bargaining allows for a further 1% of payroll to be used to make specific improvements to workers’ pay and conditions as claims are negotiated with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, during the lifetime of this agreement, with a further 2% available in a second phase to be agreed as part of a new agreement.

Fórsa general secretary, Kevin Callinan, said: “We achieved a lot with the 2024-2026 agreement, especially for lower-paid workers, and with the creation of local bargaining. We hope to do even better with the next.” 

“We launched our A Better Deal campaign toward the end of last year, and we are asking members to play their part in helping their workplace reps by spreading the word and getting coworkers involved. The more successful we are with the campaign, the stronger our position, and the more capable we are of getting A Better Deal for workers in the next negotiations. In the weeks ahead the campaign will be rolled out workplace by workplace so keep an eye out for when it arrives in your workplace” 

Pay scales will be updated on our website as they become available. 

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The Health and Safety Agency (HSA) has published a new guidance document for workplace safety representatives.  

In Ireland, workers are entitled to elect safety representatives to represent them on matters related to occupational safety and health in the workplace. Employers are required to consult with safety representatives, consider any representations they make, and act upon them if necessary. 

Fórsa deputy general secretary Katie Morgan, who also sits on the board of the HSA, said: “Workers are best placed to identify the risks that they face on a day-to-day basis at work. It is of critical importance that employers listen to safety representatives and meet their legal obligations to ensure representatives are properly trained.” 

She underlined the importance of this new guide for workers who are new to the role, or considering taking it on, saying: “This document outlines the role, resources, and responsibilities safety representatives and employers have. We would strongly encourage union members to consider becoming safety representatives in their workplaces, as unionised workplaces with safety representatives who are union members help create safer workplaces.” 

Read the document here.  

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On Thursday 29th January, Justice for Colombia (JfC) organised a briefing for Oireachtas members to highlight findings from their recent high-level delegation of Irish and British trade unionists to Colombia in November 2025. 

Set up in 2002 by the Irish and British trade union movement, Justice for Colombia aims to support Colombian civil society in its struggle for human rights, labour rights, peace and social justice. 

The briefing was chaired by Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, while speakers at the event included leading human rights lawyer and former advisor on the Colombian peace agreement, Diego Martínez Castillo, who travelled to Dublin for the event, alongside JfC chair Mick Whelan (ASLEF) and JfC vice chair Mariela Kohon (TUC). 

The meeting provided an opportunity to brief TDs and Senators on recent developments in Colombia, the past and current work of JfC, as well as to highlight key findings from the delegation.

Diego Martínez Castillo is one of Colombia's foremost human rights lawyers and a principal architect of the 2016 peace agreement's transitional justice framework. He spoke about the challenges and risks facing implementation of the peace agreement, the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, and the current human rights situation on the ground in Colombia. 

Particular concerns were raised around security risks faced by signatories of the 2016 peace agreement. The delegation viewed these risks as undermining “faith in the state’s capacity to fulfil any agreement, which undermines peace efforts more broadly.”  

JfC are calling on the Irish and British governments to advocate for improved security for signatories and to support the political, social and economic reforms needed to mitigate the root causes of conflict in Colombia. The urgency of supporting stability and peace in Colombia was emphasized within the context of the escalation of tension in the region.  

Commenting on the briefing Kevin said: “This was an important opportunity to share our findings from last November’s delegation. While implementation of the peace agreement in Colombia has encountered challenges, real progress has been made. Now, ahead of elections due this spring, the international community, and the Irish government, must continue to support the peace process, which remains fragile.” 

You can read the full report here. 

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Fórsa joined a coalition of trade unions, political parties, and civil society organisations on Wednesday 28th January, to urge the Government to end the “tsunami of evictions”, following Cabinet approval of the controversial Residential Tenancies Bill. 

The Raise the Roof campaign group has called for a permanent ban on "no-fault" evictions and demanded the Government defend the limited protections of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), which are set to be undermined by the proposed legislation.  

The legislation will allow landlords increase rents to “market level” every time a new tenancy commences, from March 2026. 

These proposed reforms will make renting all the more difficult for working people, including front-line essential workers across the health and education sectors. 

Speaking outside Leinster House, Irish Congress of Trade Unions president and general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “The trade union movement is concerned that Ireland is facing into a tsunami of evictions. The Residential Tenancies Bill will allow landlords to reset rents to so-called market levels every time they start a new tenancy."

"This will undermine the limited protections of existing rent pressure zone legislation and help to drive rents even higher. The impact on working people will be to squeeze renters even more and lock them out of the housing market to an even greater degree.” 

Fórsa’s director of campaigns, Kevin Donoghue, said: “This legislation affects workers severely, but particularly younger workers who have told us time and time again that housing is one of their top priorities in our annual membership surveys.”   

Kevin continued: “If the Government wants to retain and attract young people to work in our public services, it must deliver real protections for renters and tenants. Workers should not have to live in fear of eviction or be forced to choose between jobs and communities they love due to rent insecurity.” 

“Allowing rents to be reset at the start of each tenancy will further aggravate issues for those trapped in insecure and high-cost rentals.” 

Data from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) reveals that nearly 15,000 notices of termination were issued in the first nine months of 2025. Projections suggest the full-year figure could exceed 20,000. 

The coalition issued this call as supporters gathered outside Leinster House on Wednesday of this week to protest the escalating housing crisis. 

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It will be a busy few weeks ahead for the Skills Academy with an embarrassment of riches on offer. With courses ranging from the old staples of Fórsa inductions and workplace representative training, to newer offers such as industrial conflict resolution, there is something on offer for everyone. 

Of particular interest to anyone who will be presenting a motion at Biennial Conference is the Public Speaking course on Tuesday 10th February. A fantastic opportunity to put your best foot forward as you advocate for change in May.  

To register for a course: 

Aside from Live: Lunch & Learn and Fórsa inductions, participation on all courses require sign off from your branch and official. To apply, get in contact with your branch training officer or secretary, if your branch does not yet have a training officer. 

LAST CHANCE! Live: Lunch & Learn - The importance of the work of Fórsa’s International Committee - Online - 1-2pm Today Friday 30th January 

If you are one of the enthusiastic readers who can’t help but read the Members' News Bulletin immediately, you will still have a chance to sign up to this month’s lunch and learn taking place at lunch time on the day we publish. 

Hear all about Fórsa’s international solidarity work which aims to support unions and human rights across the globe. Richy Carrothers, national secretary for Local Government  and Local Services and the Municipal Employees' divisions, and Michael Smyth, Fórsa’s current treasurer and former president will both speak. 

Registration closes at 11:30am so be quick if you don’t want to miss this session. To register for Live: Lunch & Learn click here. 

Public Speaking - Nerney’s Court - Tuesday 10th February 

This is one not to miss for delegates and branch officers who may be presenting motions at Biennial Conference this year as this session will be geared towards preparing participants for the bright lights of the stage in Killarney. 

Being able to communicate clearly and confidently is a crucial skill for reps to have in their toolkits. So, if you would like to be a better public speaker, this is a golden opportunity, even if you won’t be in Killarney this May. 

Fórsa Induction - Online - Wednesday 11th February - Open to all new members 

A short session to welcome new members to Fórsa and explain the basics. Learn what exactly a trade union is, the structure of Fórsa, how we operate, and how members can become more engaged, have their voices heard locally, and raise issues at divisional and national levels. 

Morning and evening sessions available. 

To register for Fórsa Induction click here. 

Intensive Presentation Skills - Tuesday 17th February and Tuesday 3rd March - Nerney’s Court 

Open to branch training officers, this training will inspire confidence and teach you how to maintain a crowd’s attention while giving a presentation. This 2-day course will give you the skills you need to confidently provide information and induction sessions to new members. 

While intended for branch training officers, other BEC officers can apply if places are left unfilled by training officers, with places being offered on a first-come first served basis. 

Industrial Conflict Resolution (Level 2) Civil Service – Thursday 19th February – Nerney’s Court 

For members who have previously attended the Building effective local IR practices for civil service division course with Brendan Cunningham. This is the next step where you will learn how to handle IR issues when they come to conflict. Learn how to maintain positive working relationships without shying away from conflict and how to use conflict as an opportunity for positive change.  

Branch Chairs and Secretaries Training – Wednesday 18th March – Nerney’s Court 

A crucial training for new branch chairs, vice-chairs, secretaries and vice-secretaries. These can be demanding positions, but knowing what you need to do, when and how to do it will lessen the burden. Learn the responsibilities of each position and develop key skills to make you more effective in your role, and to make life your easier. 

Level 1, WRT – Tuesday 24th – Thursday 26th March – Wexford Union Office 

A fantastic opportunity for workplace reps in the south-east of the country. The Workplace Representatives Training Level 1 will be held in Wexford in late March.  

This is a three-day course for reps with no previous experience or training. Learn all the basic skills that a representative will need in their first year, including:

• the role and function of the workplace rep 
• improving interpersonal skills and building good working relations  
• organising your union work 
• recruiting members and handling problems 
• an introduction to equality and diversity 
• health and safety. 

Communications Training – Tuesday 31st March – Woodford Office, Santry, Dublin 

A fantastic opportunity for branch officers based in the east of the country. Learn the most effective tools for keeping your members informed, engaged, and active. Build your branch’s profile and craft compelling messages that drive member participation and commitment.   

This will be the last chance to catch this crucial training this academic year. A not to miss for branch officers in the east and those further afield who can travel for the day. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.