Fórsa and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority have established a joint industrial relation council to deal with matters including pay, working conditions and employment practices. The agreement establishing the Council also recognises Fórsa as the sole representative organisation for workers in the authority.

Both parties accepted a procedural agreement for the forum over the summer. Talks were facilitated by former general secretary of the PSEU, Dan Murphy.

The council, which has already met on two occasions, appointed former CPSU general secretary John O’Dowd as chairperson.

Fórsa official Johnny Fox said the council was a mechanism that would enhance relations and provide a more robust process to deal with any issues. “The Council will provide an improved structure for relations between the union and the authority, and will also facilitate greater co-operation on industrial issues.

“The council will also allow for greater engagement and participations for our members working for the authority,” he said.