Articles A
Pharmacy career structure ballot underway
by Niall Shanahan
 

Fórsa has commenced a ballot of hospital pharmacist members working in acute hospitals. The ballot, which closes on Thursday 10th September, is for the approval of a range of proposals to revise career structures. It follows a WRC conciliation process that sought to implement the 2011 McLoughlin report, and a follow up composite report in 2017.


Fórsa has commenced a ballot of hospital pharmacist members working in acute hospitals. The ballot, which closes on Thursday 10th September, is for the approval of a range of proposals to revise career structures. It follows a WRC conciliation process that sought to implement the 2011 McLoughlin report, and a follow up composite report in 2017.

 

Fórsa official Catherine Keogh said the proposals contain significant and immediate gains for hospital pharmacists. These include a shorter pay scale, an enhanced career structure, additional specialist and new senior posts, in addition to greater protections on the issue of weekend services, out of hours and extended working days.

 

Catherine added, “Both Fórsa and the Hospital Pharmacists Association of Ireland (HPAI) executive are recommending acceptance of these proposals, which will apply to hospital pharmacists. “It is a significant set of proposals and has a lot to offer hospital pharmacists. The 2011 McLoughlin report was the first review undertaken since 1978, which was when the current grading structure was agreed, and while various factors have delayed us getting to this point, it is significant that the decision now rests in the hands of our pharmacist members, so we are urging them to cast their ballot as soon as possible,” she said.

 

Ballots and information packs are currently being distributed. Ballots should be returned in the envelope provided by post to Fórsa, no later than 5pm Thursday 10th September.

 

Interactive online information sessions have been arranged by Fórsa to give members an opportunity to put questions to the Fórsa/HPAI negotiation team. The first took place this week (Wednesday) and was attended by 183 participants. Catherine and the union’s head of Health and Welfare Éamonn Donnelly responded to more than 100 questions from attendees.

 

A second webinar will take place next Tuesday (8th September) at 1pm. Invitations containing a link to join the webinar will issue to members by email on Monday.

 

As the proposals currently only directly affect hospital pharmacists in acute settings, those working in community settings will not be balloted at this time. However, at the webinar meeting this week, Catherine gave a commitment to all members working as hospital pharmacists in community settings that, should these proposals be accepted, a follow-on claim will immediately be lodged with the HSE on behalf of these members. A separate meeting for Fórsa members working in the community will be arranged in the coming weeks.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

Dept of Health in breach of law – Fórsa
by Niall Shanahan
 

The Department of Health, by refusing to make provision for compensatory rest for health managers who have worked 60 to 70 hour weeks over seven days in recent months, has confirmed it is not prepared to comply with the state legislation on working time.


The Department of Health, by refusing to make provision for compensatory rest for health managers who have worked 60 to 70 hour weeks over seven days in recent months, has confirmed it is not prepared to comply with the state legislation on working time.

 

In a letter to members on 21st August, Fórsa’s head of health and welfare Éamonn Donnelly, said the department does not have the authority to ignore its obligations under the law.

 

Éamonn’s comments follow the union’s claim for staff at the level of Grade VIII and above, who work in areas such as primary and social care, who “have continuously worked excessive hours without adequate compensatory rest” during the height of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

He said because no additional staff had been deployed to those areas, the workload was such that these workers were effectively unable to take the required rest periods between shifts of work: “This was not a financial claim, but rather a claim for compensatory rest that adequately reflects the uniquely intense period through which they worked.

 

“These are staff who do not receive overtime or time in lieu, but the responsibility of making crucial decisions about service delivery and responding to the needs of the community falls to them. This will also be the case as the new Covid/winter plan is unveiled by the HSE.

 

“This is a service plan designed to see us through to the spring of 2022, and will be implemented by the very staff who have not been able to avail of the minimum legal requirement of compensatory rest. This is neither sensible nor is it sustainable,” he said.

 

The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 makes provisions for compensatory rest for workers. Éamonn said the legislation provides for the protection of the health and wellbeing of the worker, but also has a crucial role to play in terms of public safety.

 

Proud

Éamonn expressed that Fórsa is extremely proud of the dedication shown by its members. “As citizens, we remain thankful for your relentless commitment to the pandemic response,” he said.  

 

He added that many fail to grasp that while the pandemic response demands leveled out over time, many were then “charged with the task of re-booting a health service which had been all but suspended.”

 

The reference period for adequate compensatory rest is not greater than four months, which has now passed. Éamonn added, “There is, however, a provision for a reference period of not greater than six months where there is a foreseeable surge in activity. This, in effect, means that there is a six month period within which adequate compensatory rest should be provided for, where the general provisions on working time cannot be adhered to in ‘real-time’ i.e.

  • Maximum weekly working hours of 48 hours per week; 
  • Daily rest periods of 11 consecutive hours in each period of 24 hours; 
  • A rest period of at least 24 consecutive hours in each period of 7 days immediately preceded by a daily rest period of 11 hours.”

In earlier correspondence to the WRC Éamonn advised that, in the absence of an agreement, Fórsa would have no option other than to advise its members to observe the provisions of the Act and comply accordingly in future. “Given the challenges anticipated in the health sector over the next few months, there is no doubt that this would have a significant adverse effect on the planning and delivery of services,” he said.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

Sisters of Charity protests continue
by Mehak Dugal and Niall Shanahan
 

Former staff of three insolvent Sisters of Charity facilities held a socially distanced protest last Wednesday (2nd September) to highlight their demands for a fair redundancy package and called for the protection of services in the community. A further protest is planned for next Wednesday (9th September).


Former staff of three insolvent Sisters of Charity facilities held a socially distanced protest last Wednesday (2nd September) to highlight their demands for a fair redundancy package and called for the protection of services in the community. A further protest is planned for next Wednesday (9th September).

 

The protest, which assembled outside St Monica’s Nursing Home on Dublin’s Northside, brought together members of Fórsa, the INMO and Siptu.

 

The unions said it was time that the Sisters of Charity met with union representatives. Despite assurances to engage with union reps, no engagement has yet taken place.

 

The closures of St Mary’s and St Monica’s nursing homes in July, and previously the Caritas Convalescent centre in March, left almost 200 staff out of work and took 160 beds from the capital’s healthcare services. Fórsa and other unions took the case to the Labour Court, which recommended redundancy payments in line with those paid in the public service.

 

Support

Fórsa official Olajide Ogidan said: “Fórsa was there to support our members and to assure them that we will continue to fight their cause. These staff have given so much to the nursing home over the years and it is very sad that they are being treated this way.

 

“Despite the bad weather, staff of St. Monica’s made redundant following the closure of the nursing home turned up in large numbers to protest. All they are asking for is a decent redundancy package. This is not too much to ask and they shouldn’t be out there protesting for what should have been given to them,” he said.

 

Redundancy

Olajide added: “Many of these former staff will depend on living on their redundancy payment for a long time given the economic situation in the country as a result of the pandemic. They need money to look after themselves, pay their bills, look after their children. Without the payment of a decent redundancy package, life is going to be very difficult for them.

 

“Fórsa is now calling on the Sisters of Charity to live up their name and their ethos, and pay these staff a decent redundancy package,” he said.

 

The three unions are calling on the Sisters of Charity and the HSE to act on the Labour Court recommendation, which backs their claim for the state’s standard enhanced redundancy terms in respect of 64 members at the now closed Caritas Convalescent Centre in Dublin. Over a month has now passed since the Labour Court's decision for a fair redundancy package. Unions have also argued that the Court recommended terms should also act as template for workers already let go or soon to be made redundant at the two other care homes, also operated by the Sisters of Charity.

 

Fórsa official Seán McElhinney also highlighted the fact that the staff had worked throughout the pandemic. He highlighted that, in addition to the lack of a severance package, they are also losing out on overtime and holidays due to them.

 

Hope and uncertainty

Following weeks of intense campaigning, there has been some indication that the Sisters of Charity is considering the feasibility of releasing funds to compensate the workers for the loss of their jobs. But there has been no confirmation yet, and frontline staff continue to linger in uncertainty for their future.

 

Seán added: “Our members welcome the indication that the Sisters of Charity is scoping out the feasibility of releasing funds to compensate for job loss. Nevertheless, some of the Sisters’ comments seem ambiguous.

 

“In that context, we will welcome the protest as an opportunity to share our explicit expectation: that the recommendation of the Labour Court will be fully applied to all three facilities.

 

“The HSE has also been named in the Labour Court recommendation. They too should be paying attention to our protest. We are committed to bringing the HSE to the table. They must play their part in implementing the recommendation of the court,” he said.

 

The protest drew a large support from public representatives across the political spectrum as well as on social media.

 

Another protest is also set to take place in Caritas next Wednesday, 9th September. You can show your support for the workers using the hashtag #PayUpSisters across social platforms.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

August Covid guidance remains in place
by Róisín McKane and Bernard Harbor
 

Public health Covid-19 guidelines were tightened last month, following an increase of coronavirus cases.


Public health Covid-19 guidelines were tightened last month, following an increase of coronavirus cases. The new control measures announced on 18th August included limits on both indoor and outdoor gatherings, a restriction on sporting events, and the introduction of a 11.30pm curfew for pubs serving food and restaurants, amongst others.

 

The HSE has also issued updated advice on cocooning for people who are at very high risk from COVID-19. In addition, workers have been encouraged to work from home where possible, and employers have been asked to facilitate this.

 

New guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sets out advice for civil and public sector workers, and stresses that employers will continue to determine which staff must report to their workplaces. This is a reaffirmation of the existing position, and Fórsa continues to advise members to go into work if instructed to do so by their line manager – and to contact the union if they have safety concerns.

 

Fórsa has now updated its Covid-19 safety advice for members who are returning to work – as well as those who have been in the workplace throughout the crisis.

 

The union advice reflects recent Government announcements and revised official guidance, and also sets out employers’ responsibilities under the Return to Work Safety Protocol, which was agreed by unions, employers and the Government in early May.

 

The comprehensive protocol outlines the required safety measures in detail, and says that significant changes to work patterns – designed to facilitate social distancing and other safety measures – must be agreed with worker representatives.

 

DPER’s current position on home working represents a change in emphasis from earlier official guidance, which was last updated in July when public health restrictions were being eased.

 

It reflects Government measures announced in August which said staff across the economy should work from home “unless it is absolutely essential for an employee to attend in person.” These measures are in force until 13th September at the earliest, by which time revised guidance is expected.

 

Contact us if you have safety concerns about your workplace.

 

Read Fórsa’s advice on returning to work and workplace safety requirements HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

 

Strong appetite for remote work – survey
Younger workers face particular challenges
by Róisín McKane
 

The experience of remote working during the Covid-19 emergency has demonstrated that work can be carried out remotely in ways that are productive and cost-effective, all while being attractive to employers and their staff.


The experience of remote working during the Covid-19 emergency has demonstrated that work can be carried out remotely in ways that are productive and cost-effective, all while being attractive to employers and their staff. Workers overwhelmingly value the flexibility that remote working can bring, while employers cite improved productivity and cost savings as potential benefits.

 

A recent survey, Conducted by Amarách Research on behalf of Fórsa, examining the issue has revealed a huge appetite for working from home, with more than 80% of respondents in favour, preferring a hybrid model with a blend of office-based work and remote activities.

 

The survey gathered the opinions of more than 4,300 workers and found that 86% of respondents were interested in working remotely.

 

Although most participants were civil and public servants, its findings broadly mirror similar research conducted by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) last year, in which the majority of respondents were from the private sector.

 

The survey found that 70% of those who had worked at home during the crisis said remote working had been a positive, or very positive, experience. Reduced exposure to Covid-19 was the most frequently-cited positive factor associated with home working during the pandemic (81%), followed by improved work-life balance (70%), reduced commuting time (67%), and increased work flexibility (55%).

 

The data indicates that young workers however, while broadly supportive of remote working, experience a unique set of challenges. 

 

Some 66% of workers aged below 30 found remote working to be a positive experience, compared with 81% when looking at all age groups. While almost three-quarters of respondents said their home was suitable for remote working, less than a quarter of those aged under 30 agreed, suggesting that younger workers face particular difficulties when considering home working, a phenomenon that is likely to present in all sectors of the economy.

 

Similarly, 40% of those surveyed shared their home working space with another adult for some or all of the time. Age and regional factors were significant with more than half of those aged below 30, and 53% of those based in Dublin, sharing home work space.

 

A lack of interaction with colleagues was the biggest single negative aspect of home working, cited by 69% of respondents. Almost half said they found it harder to find out what was happening at work, and a quarter said management communicated poorly during the pandemic.

 

Participants also cited difficulty in separating work from home life. These findings broadly mirror the concerns that surfaced in the 2019 DBEI survey.

 

Worryingly, just 28% of those who worked remotely said a manager had asked them about their home working set-up from a health and safety perspective. The union has now called for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to draw up specific employer and employee guidelines on remote working, assessing both physical and mental health risks.

 

Dialogue

 

In its submission to a Government consultation on remote working, which was delivered last month, Fórsa called on the Government to open a dialogue with unions and employers, aimed at strengthening the legal framework around remote working, including the possibility of a legal right for employees to seek remote working and other flexible working arrangements.

 

The submission also insists that those working remotely should benefit from the same rights, guaranteed by legislation and collective agreements, as comparable staff at their employer’s premises.

 

Considering this, Fórsa will host a webinar for members on 25th September at 1pm, exploring the future for remote working from the perspective of workers, employers, communities and the economy. Our panel of expert speakers will explore issues like productivity, health and safety, work-life balance, and staying connected with colleagues. Details of the event and registration links will circulate to branches shortly.

 

More information on the results of the Fórsa remote working survey can be found HERE.

 

Read Fórsa’s submission to a Government consultation on remote working HERE

 

Read Fórsa’s remote working guide HERE

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

 

 

Feature Article
Welcome back
by Fórsa Communications Team
 

Hopefully you’ve had chance to take a restful break during the summer. After our pause in August the Fórsa news bulletin is back and will be delivered to your inbox every fortnight. This is where you will find the latest available union news relevant to your sector.


Hopefully you’ve had chance to take a restful break during the summer. After our pause in August the Fórsa news bulletin is back and will be delivered to your inbox every fortnight. This is where you will find the latest available union news relevant to your sector.

 

The coming months are set to be a busy period for us all, as schools re-open and other workplaces and services continue to work within the public health guidelines. If you have a story from your workplace that you think we should include please get in touch via the contact page on Fórsa’s website, or speak to your local Fórsa representative.

 

Stay well and stay safe.

Also in this issue
Update your contact details
 

You can help us keep you up-to-date with union information, news and advice by checking your contact details and amending them if necessary. If we have your home and personal contact details (personal email, mobile phone number, and home address) we can get information to you quickly and directly. You can update your contact details HERE.

Union guidance on remote working
 

Fórsa has published new advice for workers who will be working remotely in the medium or long-term.

 

The guidance was produced as the Government’s recently-announced ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’, made it clear that many public servants and others will continue to work from home for some time.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working circumstances of almost half of Ireland’s workers, with more than a third now working from home. This extended period of remote working is a new experience for most.

 

While some have now established a productive and rewarding remote working routine, it can be a struggle at times.

 

Working at home: Staying safe, connected, healthy and productive contains advice on health and safety, setting up a workspace, breaks, staying in touch with managers and colleagues, and balancing work with home life and childcare.

 

The guide also contains useful tips on data protection, cybersecurity, and safeguarding your mental health.


Róisín McKane of Fórsa’s Communications Unit drafted the guidance. “Many union members could be working remotely for longer than they ever expected. This information will help them to navigate home working for an extended period.

 

“You may be out of the workplace, but you can still rely on certain legal protections, and you should look to your employer for the supports you need to do your job safely and well,” she said.

 

Read the Fórsa guidance HERE. 

 

If you have questions or concerns about your own situation, you can contact Fórsa HERE

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Join Fórsa online
 

Workers who wish to join Fórsa can to do so using a new ‘join online’ function on the union’s website.

 

Going live with the new system follows several months of research, preparation and testing aimed at making it easier than ever to join the union. It also goes live as the union continues to process a large number of new membership applications, as interest in joining the union has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan commented: “The current crisis has created the necessity to be able to carry out our business in different ways. Work on this project had commenced before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and its completion marks a vital step as we tackle the challenges of living in changed times.

 

“We can see that more people want to join a union in response to what’s happening in the wider economy. It’s vital that they can take those initial steps quickly and easily, and making the membership application process more accessible is part of that process.

 

“This is a crucial new venture to enable Fórsa to substantially increase our membership - and to strengthen the union’s hand - at a critical time in the union’s development,” he said.

 

The online facility is a streamlined and simplified membership application process, and will be the quickest and easiest way to join the union. All incoming applications will continue to be subject to check-off and approval by Fórsa branches and the national executive committee, while the new online system is designed to ease the administrative burden on branches.

 

You can join Fórsa online at https://join.forsa.ie/

 

Fórsa: Here to support you
 

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

 

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

 

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

 

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

 

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.

Asthma Society provides return-to-work advice
by Hazel Gavigan
 

The Asthma Society of Ireland has launched a host of new resources designed to support people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in returning to work safely.

 

Two checklists were produced for employees and employers respectively, which help people to both manage their condition at work while also outlining the necessary safety steps employers should take in the wake of Covid-19 for vulnerable staff.

 

As part of the Back2Work campaign, the Asthma Society also hosted a Facebook live Q&A session with respiratory advanced nurse practitioner, Ruth Morrow. Topics such as travelling to work safely and remaining aware of Covid-19 in the workplace were covered and can be watched back here.

 

The initiative was developed after one in four users of the Asthma Society’s asthma and COPD adviceline service looked for additional information on returning to work safely in July.

 

Approximately 380,000 people in Ireland have asthma, with those who experience mild-moderate asthma more likely to experience severe symptoms of Covid-19, should they contract it. While those with severe asthma and COPD are ‘extremely medically vulnerable’ and must take additional steps to stay safe.

 

The steps outlined in this advice are to prevent the contraction of Covid-19 at work for medically vulnerable people, but if you feel unwell you should not attend work, even if all precautionary steps are in place.

 

For the employee Back2Work checklist, click here.

 

For the employer Back2Work checklist, click here.

 

Review the Back2Work Facebook live event here.

 

For more information, click here.

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.