The re-municipalisation of privatised refuse and waste services could reduce costs for households and businesses, while improving pay and working conditions for staff, according to a new study published by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU).

Fórsa has hit back at ISME's call for the reintroduction of deep public service pay cuts.

Members, activists and staff of Fórsa’s Local Government Division were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Dympna Reilly of the union’s Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown branch.

Fórsa has raised staffing issues linked to the extension of the Cork City Council boundary into areas now run by Cork County Council with management in both authorities. The union is strongly advocating for a joint management-union forum, involving both councils, to discuss this and related matters. 

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.