The first plenary meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) since the formation of the new government, took place on Friday 4th April, chaired by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. 

The LEEF is made up of representatives from the government, employers and trade unions and provides for dialogue on economic and employment issues. 

Fórsa national secretary and Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Vice President Katie Morgan took part. Speaking after the meeting, Katie underlined the importance of the discussions at the LEEF whilst also emphasising the need for agreed outcomes from these meetings. 

“While it’s important that a forum like the LEEF exists to bring unions, government, and stakeholders together, it must become more than a consultative space. Given the scale of the challenges we face collectively, it is imperative that we strive to reach agreed outcomes, and that government takes action to achieve these.” 

“There was an update on how the government intends to meet its obligations to implement the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, as well as discussion on a national approach to remote and blended working, and how best to develop a ‘whole of society’ analysis of the benefits of remote working.” 

She continued: “We feel strongly that this approach is necessary given the positive impact blended work has had on reducing carbon emissions, increasing rural development, assisting higher participation of women in the workplace and providing a better work-life balance for people with caring responsibilities, to name just a few. The programme for government commits to promoting and supporting remote working, an objective which unions share.” 

In advance of the meeting, Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan wrote to the Taoiseach underlining the union’s view that remote work has benefitted all of society and urging the Taoiseach to ensure a “robust evidence base” underpins any review of remote work. 

He said: “Our members have consistently expressed their strong support for remote and hybrid working arrangements, highlighting the hugely positive impact the arrangements have had on both their working and personal lives. It has boosted wellbeing, supported carers to better manage their care responsibilities outside of work, and has enabled people to participate in their local communities.” 

He continued by outlining the ways in which remote work has enabled government to mitigate societal challenges, citing the impact it has had on: “accommodation shortages in our cities and surrounding areas, reducing transport-related carbon emissions, and in enabling balanced regional development through the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. These benefits, alongside the many other economic, social and environmental benefits must be thoroughly explored in any review of remote and hybrid work.” 

In the Taoiseach’s response he stated he is “confident” that the principles of constructive engagement with stakeholders, and effective public service delivery will be part of any review, which will also “be informed by any relevant and available evidence.” 

Research released this week by employers’ federation Ibec adds to the mounting body of evidence indicating that blended and hybrid working arrangements bring great benefits. 68% of respondents said that flexible work was “key to their well-being” and 35% said they would leave a job that wouldn’t accommodate hybrid working. 

International economic turmoil occupied much of the meeting, which took place before the US decided to pause the tariffs announced earlier in the month. 

A government statement after the meeting said: “All sides acknowledged the challenging global and geopolitical landscape and the associated risks to the economy and labour market.” 

“Perspectives were shared by the employer and trade union representatives on how best Ireland can collectively respond, as a member of the European Union, to these developments.” 

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